Continuing its thrust on use of information technology in agriculture, the State government has begun an exercise to analyse different agro-climatic zones in the State.
It is the beginning of a series of steps to cut down on losses due to vagaries of weather and make farming a profitable exercise.
“We have identified 20 parameters on which the regions in the State have been classified into zones. We also noted the areas which produce better yielding crops and are taking the help of technology in weather forecast, soil testing and enhancing productivity. For the first time, we are using real time crop analysis in the State,” Special Commissioner, Agriculture Department, D. Muralidhar Reddy, said here on Monday.
Worrying factor
The Department of Agriculture has estimated that sowing would be done in 42.7 lakh hectares during this kharif but what is worrying though, is the unpredictable weather patterns.
While copious rainfall is expected in July, August could turn out to be a dry month. The districts of Srikakulum, Nellore, Kadapa and Kurnool could witness less than normal rainfall.
To tide over the drought conditions, the department is encouraging cultivation of maize and jowar.
Crop insurance scheme
Under e-panta programme, revenue and agricultural teams would ensure that the entire crop in village is covered under crop insurance scheme. The State government has also stood first in tapping insurance under Fasal Bima Yojana, he said.
The department has also achieved the first place in the distribution of soil health cards and micronutrients where 7.78 lakh quintals of micronutrients have been distributed.
“We are also providing institutional credit to tenant farmers with the help of Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP). Tenant farmers would be given Loan Eligibility Cards (LEC) after being grouped in the SHG model,” Mr. Reddy said.
