Andhra Pradesh

Dry spell wreaks havoc in Vizianagaram

VIZIANAGARAM: Paddy crop in an extent of 19,957 hectares in the district was damaged due to continuous dry spell from September 25. The damaged crop area may increase after assessment of crop loss is completed, according to sources in the Agriculture Department.

The normal area of paddy during the kharif had gone up from 1,14,245ha to 1,25,781ha. The yield loss due to moisture stress was more than 50 per cent in the 19,957ha, including upland and tail-end areas under minor irrigation tanks.

Talking to this correspondent on Monday, the sources said that the deviation in rainfall that stood at plus 17.2 per cent till September 25 (rainfall received was 812mm against the normal of 692.7mm) was encouraging and that was the reason for the increase in crop area of paddy this year.

However, during October, the rainfall received was 25.7 mm against the normal of 167.9mm for the month i.e. a deficit of 84.7 per cent and this deficit was experienced at a time when the crop was at “milky and grain filling stage.”

In this month so far the rainfall registered due to cyclonic storm (Khai Muk) was 9.7mm against the normal of 73.3mm. The farmers have lost hopes and they have been anticipating compensation from the government.

Joint Director (agriculture) M.N. Gangaram has already informed farmers that revenue and agriculture officials would shortly conduct survey in mandals where the crop damage was more than 50 per cent.

Farmers who availed bank loans and insured before September would be paid crop insurance.

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