The prolonged dry spell in Vizianagaram district, one of the most backward areas of the country, has created a panic situation with labourers and farmers migrating to cities in large numbers. The district registered 608 mm rainfall between June 1 and November 10 as against the normal of 908 mm.
Almost all the tanks have dried up and the Tatipudi reservoir, the most dependable source, was seen without water for the first time in the last 30 years. Same is the case with other projects such as Vengalaraya Sagar Andra and Vattigedda.
Paddy is the worst affected, with the crop drying up on almost 80,000 acres. Other crops such as maize and sugarcane have also been affected.
“It is very difficult to get back even our investment. I along with my family have decided to move to Visakhapatnam where I hope to find work,” said K. Appala Naidu, a farmer of Jami mandal.
Situation alarming
The government has declared Jami, L. Kota, Vepada and Parvatipuram mandals drought hit. Of the 34 mandals in the district, the situation is alarming in 17 other mandals.
CPI(M) assistant secretary Bugata Ashok criticised the government for not taking steps to instil confidence among farmers.
“The government should declare the entire district drought hit and announce ₹30, 000 compensation an acre as input subsidy. If the trend continues, it may to lead to socio-economic problems, particularly for school-going children,” he added.
Joint Director of Agriculture G.S.N.S. Leelavathi said that the government was taking steps to release input subsidy of ₹15, 000 per hectare in declared drought-hit mandals.
