Crop diversification proposed in Srikakulam

Srikakulam: For the first time in the state, crop diversification was proposed during kharif season from traditional crops like paddy to millets and irrigated dry crops in Srikakulam. Main aim of crop diversification is to save water, investment, crop duration and to encourage people to eat millets than rice for healthy living. 

Normal area of paddy cultivation is 2.12 lakh hectares during kharif season in Srikakulam district. But this year, the agriculture department officials diversified at least 20,000 hectares towards irrigated dry crops or millets like red gram,  green gram, jowar and maize out of normal paddy extent of 2.12 lakh hectares.

The irrigated dry and millet crops are proposed during current kharif season at tail end areas of irrigation projects, hilly locations in agency region, sloppy areas where water is not stored and rainfed regions where crops are dependent on tanks. 

“We can cultivate either ID or millets in four acres with the water, which  was used for paddy cultivation in one acre”, joint director for agriculture G Rama Rao explained to The Hans India. More over ID or millet crops are profitable than paddy crop which was proved in several mandals during last rabi season in the district, he added.

The agriculture department officials are ready to supply five tonnes of red gram seed, 250 quintals of millet seed, 1,500 quintals of maize seed for current kharif. Millet seed will be supplied to farmers free of cost and 50 per cent subsidy on red gram and maize seed.

“Consumption of jowar, maize, bajra and finger millets is healthy and it is better to reduce use of rice which is much useful to our body”, said medical officer Dr Menda Praveen.