Water Conservation Revolution: Andhra Pradesh Farmers Learn from California NRIs

The president of the Andhra Pradesh Sagu Neeti Viniyogadarula Sangala Samakhya (APSNVSS), Alla Venkata Gopala Krishna Rao, has lauded the water management system adopted by farmers in California, USA. He emphasized the potential benefits of these practices for farmers in Andhra Pradesh, urging them to embrace efficient water management techniques to maximize output while conserving water resources.

Mr Gopala Krishna Rao recently visited California to inspect the irrigation system utilized by NRIs from the Krishna district who have settled in the USA. Notably, Tottempudi Nageswara Rao, a farmer from Challapalli village in Krishna district, is successfully cultivating lands in Mareda, Merced, and Cagon counties, setting an example for efficient water usage.

During his visit, Mr Gopala Krishna Rao observed that farmers in California have implemented highly efficient water management practices, effectively minimizing water wastage. The farmers are diligently storing water supplied by the government and utilizing 220-horsepower high-speed motors to facilitate irrigation.

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One of the key highlights of the California farmers' approach is the use of Jet engines and pipelines to supply water to vast areas, covering up to 300 acres at a time. Additionally, they draw necessary underground water from depths of 600 feet while adopting advanced irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation, sprinklers, and jet systems.

By embracing these innovative practices, the farmers in California have achieved remarkable results. Cultivating crops such as almonds and other dry fruits, they invest $4,000 per acre and earn an impressive $6,000 in returns. Furthermore, they achieve an output of one-and-a-half tonnes per acre in their almond cultivation and a staggering 60 tonnes of tomatoes per acre in just four months, garnering a profit of $2,000 per acre during the same period.

Given the success of the water management practices observed in California, Mr Gopala Krishna Rao believes that Andhra Pradesh farmers can apply similar techniques to crops like oil palm, mango, coconut, and other horticulture products, effectively curbing water wastage and maximizing agricultural productivity.

In light of these developments, Mr. Gopala Krishna Rao has requested Tottempudi Nageswara Rao to share his valuable insights and suggestions with farmers in Andhra Pradesh through online platforms. Additionally, he commended the efforts of TDP national president and former CM Nara Chandrababu Naidu in promoting the adoption of drip irrigation and other advanced water management practices among farmers in the region.

With a collective effort to implement these efficient water management techniques, Andhra Pradesh can potentially revolutionize its agricultural landscape, fostering sustainable and profitable farming practices for the future.

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