Paddy transplantation was hit by water shortage in Kurnool district this year. As against the normal area of 90,000 hectare, the transplantation was completed only in 26000 hectare so far.
The chances of the remaining area being covered this season are dim. Paddy cultivation is taken up under LLC, KC canal, SRBC and Telugu Ganga irrigation systems in Kurnool district.
As the water supply is inadequate and tight this year, many of the farmers shifted to short-duration crops like maize and pulses.
KC canal is the major paddy area with good coverage in Kurnool, Pagidyala, Nandikotkur, Pamulapadu, Jupadu Bungalow, Atmakur, Bandi Atmakur, Nandyal and Allagadda mandals. With the inadequate supply of water from the Sunkesula Barrage and Pothireddypadu, KC canal farmers are in confusion over taking up paddy transplantation. Despite pooling paddy saplings, fertilizers and other inputs, the paddy cultivation did not materialize in many of the areas. Many expect that the crop shifting in these areas might lead to shortage of Kurnool Sona variety in the open market.
