Vijayawada: With the early arrival of the southwest monsoon forecasted to hit the state a week ahead of schedule, farmers in Andhra Pradesh are preparing for the 2025 Kharif season with renewed optimism, reports The New Indian Express.
Anticipating adequate rainfall, farmers across Krishna and NTR districts have already begun field preparations. Tractors are ploughing the land, while some farmers have started sowing seeds using the traditional broadcasting method—scattering them directly onto the soil surface.
According to the State government’s Season and Crop Coverage Report, the previous Kharif season (2024) saw crops grown across 2.42 lakh hectares (5.99 lakh acres)—3.76 lakh acres in Krishna district and 2.23 lakh acres in NTR district. A similar cultivation area is expected this season, potentially reaching the typical Kharif target of 2.90 lakh hectares (7.16 lakh acres), with 86–95% of the land likely to be brought under cultivation.
Paddy remains the principal crop, covering 4.79 lakh acres last season—3.70 lakh in Krishna and 1.10 lakh in NTR. Other crops grown include jowar, maize, groundnut, sunflower, cotton, sugarcane, tobacco, and various pulses and oilseeds.
To ensure a smooth start to the season, Agricultural Joint Directors have submitted seed and fertiliser indents to the State headquarters. Distribution will be carried out through Rythu Seva Kendras (RSKs/RBKs) once the supplies arrive.
Krishna District Agriculture Joint Director Manohar confirmed, “We’ve already sent the indent details and are expecting the seed supplies soon for distribution to farmers.”
Despite the arrival of the monsoon and agricultural activity gaining momentum, farmers are expressing concern over delays in receiving financial support from the government. During the recent election campaign, the coalition government had promised ₹20,000 in aid per farmer under the Annadata Sukhibhava scheme.
While the Centre has released funds under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, the State government has yet to issue guidelines or release funds for Annadata Sukhibhava, which was originally slated for rollout in May 2025.
Farmers and agricultural officials are hopeful that guidelines and disbursement details will be made public within the coming week to ensure timely financial support as the sowing season commences.
