Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu holds a review meeting with officials at the Secretariat on Monday.
| Photo Credit: ARRANGEMENT
The Agriculture Department is prepared for the Kharif-2026 season, with comprehensive plans in place to protect farmers from the possible impact of El Nino, said Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu on Monday.
Reviewing Kharif preparedness through a virtual meeting with senior Agriculture Department officials, Joint Directors and District Agriculture Officers at the Secretariat in Amaravati, the Minister said that the government had evolved an advance action plan to ensure farmers do not face difficulties due to potential rainfall deficits linked to El Nino conditions.
Mr. Atchannaidu said that adequate stocks of seeds and fertilisers were available across the State and assured that stringent monitoring mechanisms were in place to prevent any shortage of urea. He directed officials to closely track district-wise fertiliser stocks and ensure that the physical availability matched official records.
He warned against the misuse and illegal transportation of fertilisers, and said that strict action would be taken against dealers violating norms. To bring greater transparency in urea distribution, the government plans to introduce a special urea card system, enabling farmers to access fertiliser based on actual requirements, the Minister said.
The Minister advised farmers against hoarding urea and stressed balanced usage, suggesting initial urea application followed by nano urea in later stages. He said nano urea had delivered encouraging results for many farmers.
Mr. Atchannaidu instructed officials to create awareness at village level about drought preparedness, promote direct sowing wherever feasible and encourage sustainable agriculture practices, including natural farming, mixed cropping and intercropping. Senior officials, including Agriculture Special Chief Secretary Budithi Rajasekhar, attended the meeting.
Published – May 18, 2026 11:50 pm IST
