Hans News Service Rajamahendravaram

Districtcollector Kirti Chekuri has called upon farmers in upland areas to adopt crop diversification and shift from paddy to oil palm cultivation to improve returns and soil health. Addressing farmers at Malakapalli village in Tallapudi mandal on Wednesday, she said paddy cultivation often faces challenges such as excess moisture due to rains and rising input costs, leading to losses. In contrast, oil palm cultivation does not encounter such issues and offers better prospects. She said that crop diversification would also enhance soil fertility and assured that the government is extending full support for oil palm farming.

The collector inaugurated a paddy procurement centre in the village and said the district administration has completed all arrangements for procurement during the Rabi season. She stated that nearly 50 per cent of harvesting has been completed in Tallapudi mandal and the remaining crops are ready for harvest. With favourable weather conditions, she expressed confidence that moisture-related issues would not arise. She said that under the state government’s Jaladhara programme, efforts are being made to fill tanks across the district to meet irrigation and drinking water needs. Public participation is crucial in initiatives such as interlinking tanks and pumping water into reservoirs, she added. Desilting and other works are being taken up with the involvement of local people under the employment guarantee scheme.

MLA Muppidi Venkateswara Rao said adequate gunny bags and staff have been arranged for procurement. He assured that every grain produced by farmers would be procured by the government and payments would be credited to farmers’ accounts within 24 hours. Later, the collector and the MLA inspected the Primary Health Centre in the village and reviewed medical services and sanitation. They also unveiled wall posters to create awareness about tuberculosis, stating that the disease can be completely cured with early detection and proper treatment.