Date:19/08/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/19/stories/2006081908110400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Minister asks ryots to go in for alternative crops

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: Agriculture Minister N. Raghuveera Reddy has asked the officials of the Agriculture Department to encourage farmers in the districts that received deficit rainfall to go in for alternative crops during the current season.

The Minister who reviewed the situation with senior officials on Friday wanted them to ensure supply of seed with 50 per cent subsidy for farmers willing to opt for alternative crops. The officials told Mr Reddy that Anantapur, Chittoor, Kadapa and Prakasam districts received deficit rainfall resulting in steep decline in the cropping area that came down from 10 lakh hectares to 7.5 lakh hectares.