Chief Secretary calls for coordinated govt. action as A.P. steps up El Niño preparedness
With Andhra Pradesh facing a significant rainfall deficit, Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad has directed all government departments to work in close coordination to minimise
With Andhra Pradesh facing a significant rainfall deficit, Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad has directed all government departments to work in close coordination to minimise the impact of El Niño-induced drought conditions and protect the livelihoods of farmers, horticulturists, livestock rearers and fisherfolk. Chairing a high-level review meeting at the State Secretariat in Amaravati on Friday, Mr. Sai Prasad assessed the preparedness of the Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries departments and instructed officials to implement district-level contingency plans, particularly in vulnerable regions.
He emphasised the need for continuous monitoring by District Collectors and special attention to high-risk mandals and Rythu Seva Kendras (RSKs). Agriculture Special Chief Secretary B. Rajasekhar said that Andhra Pradesh recorded a 48.3% rainfall deficit between June 1 and July 15. Of the State’s 28 districts, 24 reported deficient rainfall while four were categorised under severe deficit. Among 8,489 Rythu Seva Kendras, 1,357 were identified as high-risk, with Rayalaseema emerging as the most vulnerable region. Scientific advisories The Chief Secretary directed officials to intensify scientific advisories through Rythu Seva Kendras and WhatsApp groups, promote alternative cropping systems, expand pre-monsoon dry sowing, natural farming and low water-intensive crops, and ensure adequate contingency seed stocks.
Reviewing the horticulture sector, he called for wider adoption of drip irrigation, mulching, shade nets, farm ponds and weekly monitoring of pests and diseases, particularly for crops such as chilli, onion, mango, citrus and vegetables. Cattle camps Sai Prasad also stressed ensuring adequate fodder and drinking water for livestock, preventing distress sale of animals, and preparing cattle camps wherever necessary. For the fisheries sector, he instructed officials to closely monitor water quality and disease incidence in aquaculture farms while issuing timely advisories to fish farmers.
He said coordinated action by the Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Revenue, Rural Development and Irrigation departments would help mitigate the impact of El Niño and safeguard rural livelihoods across the State.
The BriefWire