The Andhra Pradesh Micro Irrigation Project (APMIP) would cover all farmers in Chittoor district by the year-end, according to APMIP Chittoor Project Director P. Vidya Shankar.
At a review meeting with the department’s officials and representatives of drip irrigation companies, he said in 2018-19, about 30,000 farmers had been supplied micro irrigation equipment.
Pending applications
Apart from this, field materials were distributed to 16,749 farmers and installation was completed in fields of 15,037 farmers. Pending applications of 15,000 farmers would be processed within two months, he said.
Mr. Shankar said field officials should collect full details of farmers, including residential proof and phone numbers, and lax officials would be fined for each default application ₹500.
He directed officials to intensify extension activities and hold awareness camps at all villages of the district.
‘Farmers convinced’
“In view of poor rain during the last three years, farmers have realised the importance of micro irrigation modules. They are convinced that with less water, they could reap better yields,” he said.