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The crop holiday declared by paddy farmers in the Konaseema area of East Godavari district brings to the fore the gravity of agricultural crisis in the State.
Remedial steps should be taken immediately to address the problems plaguing the farm sector, opined several eminent speakers and scientists at a one-day seminar on the impact of climate change on coastal agriculture held here on Monday by the Sastriya Vijnana Samiti.
Mr Mohan Kanda, former Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh, said the Agricultural Department should primarily focus on the economic viability of the individual farm holding and the performance of the department should be measured on the yardstick, he said. It was distressing to note that paddy farmers in East Godavari district were observing crop holiday and it did not augur well for the food security of the nation. He wanted improvement in the net return to the farmer.
Dr M.V. Rao, former Vice-Chancellor of Acharya N.G Ranga Agricultural University, spoke of the need to develop early warning systems to caution farmers on natural calamities and to supply newly-developed paddy varieties such as Sub-1 Swarna BPT 5204 (Bapatla Sannalu), IR 64 and others, which can withstand floods and submergence for much longer periods. Bio-diversity is of the utmost importance, he said.
Rain-fed agriculture, neglected for long, should be taken seriously and bio-shields such as mangroves should be conserved, he added. Grain/seed/fodder banks should be organised.
Mr M. Gopalakrishna, former Managing Director of Nagarjuna Fertilisers and Chemicals Ltd. and Godavari Fertilisers Ltd, said early preparedness through disaster warning systems, genetic modification and greater use of bio-technology may hold the key to the problems faced by the sector in future.
The District Collector, Mr Ravichandra, said farmers were observing crop holiday in Konaseema affecting an area of 70,000 acres. The district administration was taking all possible steps to redress their grievances.
Mr D. Surya Rao, President of the samiti, welcomed the gathering.
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