Agriculture activity in Vizianagaram district is set to revive as the monsoon arrives, bringing relief to farmers who rely on rainwater for their farming operations. Moderate rainfall in various parts of the district has raised hopes among farmers who have eagerly awaited the monsoon season.
While officials have been promoting the cultivation of millets and commercial crops, it is anticipated that paddy cultivation will still dominate in many areas. Out of the total farmland area of 121,153 hectares, paddy is expected to be grown in approximately 93,645 hectares this season. Maize will cover 12,250 hectares, while sugarcane cultivation will be limited to 4,504 hectares due to the closure of sugar mills in Bhimasingi and Sithanagaram.
To support farmers in diversifying their crops and increasing their income, the government is encouraging the cultivation of various other crops as well. The Agriculture Department, under the guidance of Joint Director V.T. Ramarao, is providing seeds of different varieties at subsidized rates. A total of 43,606 quintals of seeds will be distributed to farmers through the Rythu Bharosa Kendras, which are located in different areas of the district.
Ramarao stated that the district has sufficient stocks of fertilizers and seeds to meet the needs of the current kharif season. The requirement for fertilizers in the district stands at approximately 47,787 metric tonnes. Farmers who have submitted their details through e-crop applications are being offered these resources at subsidized rates.
The availability of fertilizers and seeds through the district's cooperative and marketing society, known as DCMS, is part of a market intervention program aimed at preventing private dealers from inflating prices. Dantuluri Varma, the State Assistant Secretary of the Rythu Coolie Sangham, has appealed to the government to provide additional subsidies on seeds and fertilizers for tribal farmers.
He highlighted that farmers in hilly tribal areas face challenges in achieving higher yields compared to those in other regions. Moreover, transportation issues prevent them from accessing remunerative prices for their produce in towns and cities.
