Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister Kakani Govardhan Reddy launched desilting works in Nellore district aimed at improving groundwater access for farmers, particularly during the upcoming kharif season. The project focuses on rejuvenating existing irrigation tanks and canals, many of which have accumulated silt over years, reducing their water-holding capacity.
The initiative, undertaken by the Irrigation Department, will initially cover 150 tanks and canals across the district. Desilting will be done using heavy machinery and will involve removing accumulated silt, weeds, and other obstructions. The removed silt will be made available to farmers free of cost for use as fertilizer, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The project is expected to benefit approximately 20,000 acres of agricultural land by enhancing water availability for irrigation. Officials estimate that desilting will increase the storage capacity of the tanks by 20-30%. This is particularly crucial given the predicted normal monsoon season and the need to maximize water conservation efforts.
Minister Reddy emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and ensuring water security. He highlighted the importance of community participation in the success of the project, urging farmers to cooperate with the Irrigation Department and utilize the desilted silt effectively.
The desilting work is part of a larger effort by the Andhra Pradesh government to address groundwater depletion and improve irrigation infrastructure across the state. Previous similar initiatives have shown positive results in increasing groundwater levels and boosting agricultural productivity. The current project is budgeted at ₹15 crore and is expected to be completed before the start of the kharif season in June. The initiative also aims to reduce the cost of cultivation for farmers by providing readily available irrigation water and organic fertilizer.
