Andhra Pradesh farmers urged to take precautions ahead of potential cyclone
Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu advised farmers to protect crops as a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal may intensify.
Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu on Saturday advised farmers throughout Andhra Pradesh to adopt safety measures as a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal is expected to become a cyclone, according to the Deccan Chronicle.
The India Meteorological Department stated the system is likely to reach the Andhra Pradesh coast by the evening of November 2. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is anticipated in Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra on November 2 and 3.
Atchannaidu specifically advised those growing horticultural crops, chilli, cotton, and paddy to clear drainage channels to stop waterlogging. He also suggested moving harvested produce to secure areas and postponing fertiliser application, pesticide spraying, and harvesting until the weather improves.
Farmers in Nellore, Prakasam, West Godavari, Eluru, Palnadu, NTR, Bapatla, Guntur, and Krishna districts have been told to be especially cautious. The minister also recommended that livestock be kept in safe spots and that people avoid fields during lightning or high winds.
Fishermen were told to follow weather warnings and stay away from the sea. Atchannaidu directed officials from the fisheries, animal husbandry, horticulture, and agriculture departments to stay in villages to assist farmers and coordinate with scientists.
The minister told departments to ensure disaster management advisories reach farmers quickly and assured those impacted by the recent cyclone that the government will provide support.