Alluri Sitharama Raju district introduces safflower farming for tribal farmers

The agriculture department is introducing safflower cultivation for tribal farmers in the Alluri Sitharama Raju district agency area. The oilseed crop is being taken up as a pilot project across three mandals in the Chintapalle agricultural division following instructions from the district collector.

Authorities have selected Koyyuru, Chintapalle, and Gudem Kotha Veedhi mandals for the initial phase, targeting a total of 100 acres. In Koyyuru, where paddy cultivation dropped significantly due to the El Nino effect, 50 acres have been allocated as an alternative. The remaining 50 acres will be cultivated in Chintapalle and G.K. Veedhi.

Seeds are being provided free of cost to farmers under the National Oilseeds Development Programme, with sowing permitted until the end of October. Safflower thrives in cool, dry conditions with minimal water and can withstand drought, depending on winter mist and moisture.

Tribal farmers usually leave fields empty during Rabi because free-roaming cattle graze on leftover plots. However, the thorny nature of the safflower plant deters livestock, solving the main barrier to winter farming. Officials expect yields of five to seven quintals per acre in the agency area, compared to three to five quintals in places like Anantapur, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.