Following the severe impact of Cyclone Montha, which ravaged several districts across Andhra Pradesh, expert teams from Dr. YSR Horticultural University (YSRHU), along with specialists from Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and various research stations, have undertaken comprehensive field visits to evaluate the extensive crop damage.
According to Registrar B. Srinivasulu, researchers, professors, and deans from the YSRHU, based in Venkataramannagudem, West Godavari district, have been actively assessing the destruction and offering vital advice to affected farmers.
“Over the past three days, fourteen specialized teams, including scientists from Dr. YSR Horticultural University and KVKs, have visited 12 districts to get a firsthand understanding of the situation,” stated Registrar Srinivasulu on Monday.
These dedicated teams conducted detailed diagnostic field visits, examining a wide array of crops such as banana, papaya, turmeric, various vegetables and flower nurseries, curry leaf, pomegranate, chilli, tomato, ridge gourd, brinjal, elephant foot yam, guava, oil palm, acid lime, coconut, tapioca, onion, paddy, and cotton.
C. Madhumathi, Director of Research at Dr. YSR Horticultural University, elaborated on their efforts: “Our teams specifically investigated damaged crops in Krishna, Guntur, Kakinada, Konaseema, Annamayya, Tirupathi, Prakasam, Eluru, Nandyal, and both West and East Godavari districts.”
Dr. G. Shali Raju, an Entomology Scientist from the Mango Research Station (MRS) in Nuzvid, who participated in the survey of horticulture crops in Tadepalli, Penamaluru, and Poranki villages in Krishna district, emphasized immediate actions. “Farmers must prioritize cleaning their fields, ensuring all stagnant water is drained, and diligently follow the recovery steps recommended by the KVK scientists,” advised Dr. Madhumathi.
Registrar Srinivasulu confirmed that a comprehensive report detailing the assessments and recommendations has been officially submitted to the Director of Horticulture for necessary follow-up actions and aid distribution.