KADAPA: Farmers should be motivated to raise crops which fetch good yield and higher income, in view of rainfall-deficient conditions, Collector M.T. Krishna Babu said on Tuesday.

Addressing a review meeting with assistant directors of agriculture and mandal agriculture officers, the Collector lamented that ryots were in a piquant situation due to scanty rainfall and good rains may elude them for few more days.

He exhorted agricultural scientists and agriculture officers to suggest suitable crops and seed varieties after studying the nature of soil and seasonal conditions. He assured supply of qualitative seeds through Andhra Pradesh Seeds Corporation or other agencies.

Subsidy announced

He promised supply of 480 quintals of Bengal gram seeds adequate to raise the crop in 6,000 hectares in the district. The Government was urged to supply 160 quintals of castor seeds to raise the crop in 1,600 hectares, he said. He assured to procure additional quantities of seeds if needed.

The Government announced subsidy of Rs. 75 per quintal for maize, jowar and ragi crops and it was proposed to raise these crops in 1,600 hectares, he said. Deputy Director in Commissionerate of Agriculture Faheem said groundnut crop area dwindled due to scanty rainfall in the district and the crop was on the verge of withering away. A contingency plan would be formulated basing on farmers' suggestions.

Joint Collector Kanthilal Dande, who presided, said the Government would be apprised of the drought conditions for assisting farmers.

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