After the interlinking of the Godavari and Krishna rivers, the government seems to have set its sights on the integration of the Krishna and Penna river systems to help a vast majority of farmers in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh and surrounding regions.
Agriculture Minister Prathipati Pulla Rao on Wednesday dropped enough hints on efforts that would be taken to bring Krishna waters from the Srisailam reservoir to the Somasila dam from where it would be carried to various irrigation sources for the benefit of farmers.
Mr. Pulla Rao, along with Roads and Buildings Minister Siddha Raghava Rao and I&PR Minister Palle Raghunadha Reddy, took part in the ‘Rythukosam Chandranna’ yatra here on Wednesday. A huge meeting of farmers was held at the Police Parade Grounds on the occasion. An exhibition of the latest farm implements and machines was also held.
Interlinking
Mr. Pulla Rao said the interlinking of rivers would be of immense use in times of deficit rainfall and drought. “This year, not even half the total acreage was brought under cultivation in Nellore district. It is largely because of lack of sufficient rain. This will be solved in future through river integration,” he added.
Coming down heavily on Opposition parties, Mr. Pulla Rao said the Pattiseema irrigation project would help in storing and utilising the Godavari waters in the Krishna river basin, thereby creating wide scope for these water resources being shared by various regions. He called upon farmers to realise the utilitarian value of agricultural conferences and exhibitions and benefit from them by learning modern agricultural practices.
Mr. Raghunadha Reddy said under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the State occupied top positions in various sectors, including the farm sector, and that it happened within 16 months after he came to power.
Mr. Siddha Raghava Rao said the credit for offering farm loan waiver of Rs. 24,000 crore within 16 months of the State formation would go to the Naidu government. The government has allocated nearly Rs. 40,000 crore towards loan waiver, pensions and DWCRA women loan waiver, he added.
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