Visakhapatnam: The recent light to moderate rains in parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh (CAP) have kindled hopes among tobacco farmers. However, the paddy farmers in the region are worried thinking the possible rainfall from November 28 may damage their standing crops.

Tobacco farmers in parts of Prakasam and Nellore districts decided to cultivate tobacco during winte season as the recent rains have turned out to be a boon for them.

The ryots have raised tobacco seedlings in over 41,000 hectares in the two districts. The price of tobacco seedlings has gone up to 3,500 per bundle due to its increasing demand.

Speaking to TOI, Dr S Karuna Sagar, scientist at IMD- Amaravati, said that rains lashed in parts of the CAP and Rayalaseema regions in the past three days, dipped the temperature by three to five degrees Celsius in many parts of the state.

A cyclonic circulation is likely to emerge into South Andaman Sea and its neighbourhood on November 26. Under its influence, a low- pressure area (LPA) is likely to form over South Andaman Sea and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal around November 27. It is likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a depression over southeast Bay of Bengal on November 29. A private weather website said that the depression might intensify into a severe cyclonic storm.

The weather system may trigger rainfall in CAP from November 28 and the cyclonic storm is expected to make landfall on the Bangladesh coast, added Dr Karuna. This forecast by the weather agency has distressed paddy farmers in the region as their standing kharif paddy are yet to be harvested. The crops in most farm lands have matured. While some farmers have reaped their produce, many are yet to do so.

“Rainfall at this juncture will damage the crops,” said M Srinu, a farmer based in Visakhapatnam.

We also published the following articles recently

A farmer in Bhajjawala village, Bijnor district, allegedly killed himself after being harassed and abused by bank officials from Sarva UP Gramin Bank for the repayment of a loan. The farmer’s family claimed that the officials not only misbehaved with them but also issued threats. An FIR has been filed against the unidentified bank officials under Sections 306 and 504 of the IPC. The bank officials denied any wrongdoing and stated that they had no information about the specific loan amount taken by the farmer

Paddy in Jabalpur, stored by a private firm contracted by MP Warehousing Corporation, has rotten due to negligent storage. The paddy, worth Rs 13 crore, was stored in open areas without proper protection from sun and rain. Security was lax, leading to pilferage. A complaint has been filed and a case registered against the officials of the private firm.

Sugar prices surge, impacting Nigerian bakers as they cut production due to skyrocketing prices. Developing nations face shortages in staples like rice and bans on food trade, contributing to food insecurity. Global sugar production is predicted to decline, with lower supplies from India and Thailand. Import-dependent countries, including Nigeria, are vulnerable to the high sugar prices. Brazil’s harvest is expected to help later in 2024. Overall, the world has less than 68 days of sugar in stockpiles, the lowest since 2010.

Published Date: November 26, 2023