El Nino impact: farm scientists call for crop holiday to paddy

As the State prepares itself for water shortages due to the severe El Nino, agriculture scientists have recommended declaration of a crop holiday, especially for paddy, and instead take steps to expand vegetable cultivation.

They advised farmers to cultivate crops that require less water, given the extremely limited availability of water due to El Niño. Cultivation of four types of pulses — green gram, black gram, chickpea and groundnut — along with oilseed crops such as sunflower, sesame and safflower, which require less water - could be taken up.

The farm scientists gave their suggestion during a video conference conducted by the government on Monday with all stakeholders. Farmers were advised to use water and energy resources “extremely judiciously” keeping in view the severity of the El Nino phenomenon.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju and others addressed the farmers through the video conference..

Mr. Bhatti Vikramarka said the impact of El Niño was likely to reach its peak by December and such conditions could continue until 2027. While several countries were expected to face difficulties, there would not be any indications of rainfall till mid next year.