Kurnool: Following the pre-monsoon rains, farmers are preparing to plant crops such as cotton, groundnut, redgram, chili, onion etc in the district.
Agriculture officials are going through requests from farmers for distribution of seeds on a subsidised basis. Cotton is cultivated on approximately 6 lakh acres in the district and groundnut around 1.50 lakh acres.
So far, there was 432.8 mm of rainfall compared to the normal 597.6 mm from June 1, which meant a 28 per cent deficiency. The district's normal rainfall is 614.7 mm during the season.
Hoping for sufficient rains this season and a good yield, farmers have shown additional interest in cultivating dry crops. The district administration imposed a ban on paddy cultivation last year due to a shortage of rain and to prioritise drinking water needs.
However, this year, farmers are optimistic about good rains during the south-west monsoon and hopeful of cultivating paddy as usual. Currently, the climate is ideal for farmers to commence the groundwork for sowing.
A farmer, K. Maddileti from Adoni, said he will start work this week on his 8 acres of land for groundnut and cotton. He expects a better yield due to the favourable weather conditions.
Joint director of agriculture, P.L. Varalakshmi, said farmers in the district have started their agricultural operations. They have been advised to register for the supply of subsidised seeds at the nearby Rythu Bharosa Kendras.
The department is planning to provide seeds to farmers at a 40 per cent subsidy. During the season, cotton cultivation is prominent, and officials are preparing to supply genuine seeds and control the sale of spurious BT seeds as had happened in the past.
Farmers sow cotton on 2,44,000 hectares, groundnut on 59,000 hectares, chili on 30,000 hectares, red gram on 25,500 hectares, and paddy on 12,770 hectares during the Kharif season. The total estimated area this year is 4.19 lakh hectares.
Rough calculations indicate that 3 lakh metric tonnes of fertilisers, including DAP, urea and other complexes, are required in the district for the Kharif season.
