In view of the El Niño impact, SPSR Nellore District Agriculture Officer (DAO) P. Satyavani has advised farmers to select suitable short-duration crop varieties in areas with low rainfall. Amid conditions such as below-normal rainfall, delayed rains or prolonged dry spells, she advised farmers in the district to take crop-specific precautionary measures.

She said, “As crops such as paddy, groundnut, red gram, green gram, black gram, Bengal gram, maize, and sorghum are primarily cultivated in the region, the farmers have been urged to formulate their cropping plans based on water availability, soil moisture, rainfall patterns, and local weather conditions. Seeds must be sown only when there is adequate rainfall and sufficient soil moisture.”

“Since paddy cultivation requires significant amounts of water, crop planning should be done after assessing water availability in advance. Transplanting or sowing should be undertaken only when there is adequate rainfall and sufficient soil moisture. In areas with limited water availability, short-duration paddy varieties should be selected based on the advice of the officials,” the DAO added.

She also recommended proper water management practices in seedbeds, scientific water management and proactive water planning to prevent water scarcity during critical crop stages. She asked farmers to seek advice from local agricultural officials on alternative crops in situations of low water availability.