Choose short-duration crops in low-rainfall areas, Nellore agriculture officer tells farmers amid El Niño
Agricultural officials in the Nellore district of India have advised farmers to switch to short-duration crop varieties to mitigate the impact of El Niño-related rainfall shortages. The guidance emphasizes scientific water management and careful crop planning based on soil moisture levels.
Why it matters
Climate-resilient agricultural practices are essential for maintaining food security in regions vulnerable to erratic weather patterns caused by climate change.
In view of the El Niño impact, SPSR Nellore District Agriculture Officer (DAO) P. Satyavani has advised farmers to select suitable short-duration crop varieties in areas with low rainfall. Amid conditions such as below-normal rainfall, delayed rains or prolonged dry spells, she advised farmers in the district to take crop-specific precautionary measures.
She said, “As crops such as paddy, groundnut, red gram, green gram, black gram, Bengal gram, maize, and sorghum are primarily cultivated in the region, the farmers have been urged to formulate their cropping plans based on water availability, soil moisture, rainfall patterns, and local weather conditions. Seeds must be sown only when there is adequate rainfall and sufficient soil moisture.”
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