Drought, Dried Crop, Debt Burden Stare In Anantapur Orchard Farmers’ Face 

Orchards are the mainstay in perennially drought-hit Anantapur. But, this time around, poor governmental management and official apathy have dealt a double whammy for sweet lime, pomegranate and mango orchards. Most trees have wilted and are all set to collapse.

Orchards are common in the Putluru, Yellanuru, Peddappapuru and Tadpatri, especially in the Penna and Chitravati river belts. Unprecedented heat wave and truant rainfall have also hit the underground water tables, making things difficult for the farmers.

In Putlur mandal, sweet lime in an extent of 150 acres, pomegranate in 350 acres and mango is 500 acres have been completely damaged. In Peddapappuru mandal too, over 200 acres of mango and 300 acres of pomegranate orchards have been fully damaged.

Contrary to the tall claims of the Government that it had taken every care to protect the orchards, the orchards are drying. In many cases, the orchard is devoid of any leaf. The Government claimed that it has taken up protective wetting. But, on ground examination shows that the facility has failed to reach the farmers. Even horticulture officers admit in private that the efforts have failed to help the ground situation.

As a result, most farmers are in dire straits not knowing how to resuscitate the crops. With dried up orchards staring them in the face, the farmers are looking at heavy losses this season.