Vijayawada: With weather forecasts estimating below-normal rainfall during the coming southwest monsoon due to the impact of El Niño, the state government has started implementing pre-monsoon dry sowing (PDMS). In a review meeting with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday, officials from the agriculture department stated that the average rainfall is likely to be only 92% of the normal rainfall this year. The impact is expected to be severe in rain-fed regions, particularly in Anantapur, Sri Sathya Sai, Kadapa, Kurnool and Prakasam districts, said the officials.
PDMS method to mitigate rainfall deficit
The Chief Minister was informed that reduced rainfall could affect pulses, oilseeds and water-dependent horticulture crops. To mitigate the impact, the PDMS method is being implemented across the state. Under this method, seeds are sown before the onset of monsoon rains, helping farmers achieve better yields with reduced water usage, fertiliser consumption and input costs. Officials said PDMS could help farmers earn an additional Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000 per acre. Naidu directed officials to implement the method in 20 lakh acres this year and examine its integration with the VB-G RAM G scheme.
Cocoa City and horticulture expansion
Naidu also announced the establishment of a Cocoa City, describing it as the world's first exclusive initiative for cocoa cultivation. The project is intended to function as an experience centre for cocoa farmers. Naidu directed officials to identify a suitable location to develop the Cocoa City over 250 acres. To strengthen horticulture, Naidu directed officials to prepare an action plan to expand horticulture cultivation to 50 lakh acres across the state. He said that the Rayalaseema region should be developed as a global horticulture hub through cluster-based planning. He also called for increased focus on avocado, fig, jackfruit, guava and pepper crops, and suggested adding value by processing crops such as figs into dry fruits.
Fertiliser efficiency and doorstep delivery
Terming the reduction in average urea consumption per hectare during the last rabi season as a positive development, Naidu said efficient fertiliser usage must be encouraged continuously. He also instructed officials to create a system for doorstep delivery of produce from Rythu Bazaars by engaging suitable agencies.
Natural farming targets scaled up
The Chief Minister further underlined the importance of scaling up natural farming. Officials said 17.74 lakh farmers practised natural farming in 9.26 lakh hectares across 4,116 gram panchayats in 2025-26. For 2026-27, Naidu set a target to extend natural farming to all 13,300 gram panchayats, covering 25 lakh farmers and 11 lakh hectares.
