CHITTOOR/MADANAPALLE: Farmers across Chittoor, Annamayya, and Sri Sathya Sai districts have begun field preparations ahead of the June southwest monsoon. Agriculture Department officials expect an extensive kharif season despite forecasts of a below-normal rainfall year, likely due to the predicted impact of El Niño.
Official estimates indicate that close to 10 lakh acres will be under cultivation across the three Rayalaseema districts in the coming kharif season. Groundnutis expected to be grown on nearly four lakh acres in Sri Sathya Sai district. Paddy, tomato, red gram, groundnut, and millets will take up a large area in Chittoor and Annamayya districts.
Officials said that the distribution of seeds, soil testing, and desilting of farm ponds are already under way in several mandals, coupled with the acceleration of the “Jaladhara” initiative. Farmers have started dry ploughing in anticipation of early June showers.
“Preparedness is significantly better this year because a good number of water bodies are holding sufficient to moderate water levels than last summer,” said a senior Agriculture official in Chittoor district.