As the temperature continues to rise, it not only affects us humans but also the crops we eat! And the dry season this time has made it quite difficult for the farmers. As per reports, most rain-fed crops have dried out due to the heat and dry season. The conditions are so bad that the sown crops have started to dry out in many cases. Finding a way out, many farmers in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari have started cashew cultivation in this region. How is that beneficial? Read on to find out!
Why Are Farmers In Andhra Pradesh Growing Cashew?
Seeing the dry, hot season, farmers of rural Kakinada of East Godavari avoid growing crops that are not related to rain-fed farming. So, this time around, they have taken up cashew cultivation during this dry season. They have started growing cashew mango plantations in this region. As per reports, the farmers in the area are planting cashew mangoes on hundreds of hectares of land. For those who don’t know, cashew mangoes are a variety of cashews that are slightly yellow-hued.
Why is cashew cultivation in plains like Andhra Pradesh surprising? This is because most of the cashew nuts consumed in India are grown in the hill regions. Although, some lowlands also grow it. Also, cashew trees are grown commercially in Andhra Pradesh, which means the cultivation of cashews is not a foreign concept for the farmers here.
How Are Farmers Benefiting From This Cultivation?
Growing cashews in this season is greatly beneficial for the farmers as their lands are not left barren. Most of the fields in rural Kakinada are currently cultivating cashews. As per reports, farmers make profits by focusing on cashew plantations that give high income with low-cost labour. Once cultivated, the farmers sell cashews based on the current market price. Moreover, they are happy to grow something that is suitable even in the dry season.
That’s a smart move by the farmers in Andhra Pradesh! Why leave a land barren for a season when you can grow something beneficial and earn big money? Do let us know your thoughts about this in the comments.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
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