Even as paddy farmers seem to be caught in a sort of limbo vegetable farmers in Krishna district are venturing out to sow their crops. Vegetables are cultivated in about 3,000 hectares in the district during kharif.
The farmers are given 50 per cent subsidy for purchase of vegetable seed to meet the needs of a maximum of two hectares.
Assistant Director of Horticulture R. Rama Mohan said farmers in Krishna district cultivate tomato, lady’s finger, gourds (different varieties) brinjal, cabbage, and cauliflower during the kharif season. The Horticulture Department has earmarked Rs.20 lakh for seed subsidy in the cultivation of vegetables in 800 hectares. A farmer has to spend up to Rs.6,000 per hectare only for seed.
But, there was a process for the farmers to avail the subsidy. They had to purchase the seed only from the 82 seed manufacturing companies that were recognised by the department. The farmers had to pay the rest of the amount (besides subsidy) to the departments in the form of a demand draft specifying the seed (vegetable) and company. The seed is procured within a fortnight and released to the farmer, Mr. Rama Mohan said.
The seeds are sown and the saplings transplanted after 30 days. Saplings of tomato, cabbage, and cauliflower are transplanted, he added.
Tomato was cultivated in around 1,200 hectares in G.Konduru, Ibrahimpatnam, Mylavaram, Jaggaiahpet, Hanuman Junction, Bappulapadu, and Nuzvid. The vegetable season begins in August and September towards the latter half of kharif, he said.
