Cyclone Montha Threatens Andhra's Agriculture: Precautions Underway

The Andhra Pradesh agriculture department mobilizes efforts to protect crops and farmers from Cyclone Montha. Officials prioritize personal outreach, using AP-AIMS for mapping vulnerable areas, and sharing updates every three hours. Various departments coordinate to minimize damage across agriculture, horticulture, and fisheries sectors.

The Andhra Pradesh agriculture department has launched a coordinated effort to protect crops and farmers from the approaching Cyclone Montha. District-level field staff have been instructed to identify vulnerable villages and alert farmers about protective measures, as the cyclone intensifies along coastal regions.

Special Chief Secretary B Rajasekhar emphasized proactive engagement with farmers during a teleconference with agriculture and related departments. The Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Information Management System (AP-AIMS) aids in identifying high-risk areas, facilitating field advisories and updates.

Various departments, including horticulture, fisheries, and animal husbandry, are aligning their efforts, with measures like halting canal releases, clearing drainage obstructions, and deploying state-level control rooms. Farmers are being actively informed through media channels to safeguard crops such as paddy, banana, and cotton.

(With inputs from agencies.)