Rains rekindle hopes of Kadapa farmers

Kadapa: The heavy rains in district rekindled the hopes of farmers who were in despair due to continuous dry spell. According to Meteorological department, 8 mm rain was recorded on August 23 and 24 in the district.

Brahmamgari Matham mandal had received highest rainfall of 24 mm and the officials forecast more rains in coming days.
At the recent Irrigation Advisory Board (IAB) meeting, the officials decided not to release water from Gandikota, Mylavaram and other reservoirs due to rain deficit. The administration has proposed to supply water to more areas depending on rainfall through tankers for agriculture operations.

But, the unexpected heavy downpour on August 23 and 24 gave a big relief to farmers as they are concentrating on agriculture operations. “This rain really turned as boon for farmers growing various crops in the district. I almost lost hope of securing good returns in this kharif season due to lack of rains and drastic fall in groundwater levels.

But the rains on August 23 and 24 have rekindled our hopes as 90 per cent of rivulets, streams, rain fed tanks witnessing overflow and groundwater levels were increased at unexpected levels,” said A Venkataramana Reddy of Rayachoti mandal to The Hans India.

Farmers have sown in 1.5 lakh hectares in kharif season. Apart from groundnut, paddy, cotton, red gram, green gram, black gram, banana, buddasenaga, jawar and sunflower are major crops irrigated on rain fed tanks, underground water, streams and local water bodies. According to sources, very less ayacut in Pulivendula, Mylavaram, Kondapuram, Jammalamadugu and Mydukur mandals are proposed to supply water through projects. Farmers depending on rainwater are hopeful of better produce in kharif season.