YSRHU scientists assess impact of Montha’s damage to crops in A.P.

Scientists from the Dr. YSR Horticultural University, along with experts from the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and research stations, visited the crops damaged by Cyclone Montha that hit several districts across Andhra Pradesh.

The researchers, professors and deans of Dr. YSRHU, Venkataramannagudem, located in West Godavari district, assessed the damaged crops and gave suggestions to the farmers, said Registrar B. Srinivasulu.

“Fourteen teams comprising scientists from Dr. YSR Horticultural University and KVKs visited 12 districts and took stock of the situation over the last three days,” shared the Registrar said on Monday.

The teams conducted real-time diagnostic field visits to banana, papaya, turmeric, vegetable and flower nurseries, curry leaf, pomegranate, chilli, tomato, ridge gourd, brinjal, elephant foot yam, guava, oil palm, acid lime, coconut, tapioca, turmeric, onion, paddy and cotton crops.

C. Madhumathi, Director of Research, Dr. YSR Horticultural University said: “We examined the damaged crops in Krishna, Guntur, Kakinda, Konaseema, Annamayya, Tirupathi, Prakasam, Eluru, Nandyal, and West and East Godavari districts.”

G. Shali Raju, Scientist (Entomology), Mango Research Station (MRS), Nuzvid, who surveyed the damaged horticulture crops in Tadepalli, Penamaluru and Poranki villages in Krishna district. “Farmers should clean their fields immediately, drain the stagnated water, and take precautions to save the crop that have survived,” Dr. Madhumathi said.

Registrar Srinivasulu said that a report has been submitted to the Director of Horticulture for further action.