Andhra Pradesh officials have reviewed the state’s El Nino Command and Control Centre in Gannavaram, Krishna district, as the government prepares to provide earlier warnings and assistance to farmers facing rainfall deficits and water stress. The facility combines satellite data, rainfall forecasts, digital technology and farmer inputs to identify vulnerable areas and support the delivery of advisories and government schemes.
Special chief secretary for agriculture and cooperation Budithi Rajasekhar and director of agriculture Dr Manazir Jeelani Samoon inspected the centre at the Integrated Call Centre premises on Tuesday. They reviewed its operational systems, including APAIMS 2.0 and satellite-based resources used to detect drought-like conditions at an early stage.
The centre consolidates 15-day rainfall forecasts with satellite-derived crop alerts. These inputs are intended to help agriculture officials issue timely advisories and coordinate essential services for cultivators in areas experiencing weak rainfall or water stress.
A key part of the system is the toll-free number 155251. Officials said the number operates in two ways: it responds to calls from farmers and proactively contacts cultivators in vulnerable locations identified through satellite alerts. Field-level crop conditions are then assessed and guidance is provided.
During the inspection, the officials conducted a random check by speaking to Nettem Harikrishna, a farmer from Shirpi village in Beluguppa mandal of Anantapur district, along with local agriculture staff. Crop conditions and rainfall details shared during the interaction were compared with satellite data displayed on the centre’s video wall. The exercise demonstrated how the state intends to link remote-sensing information with field-level reports before issuing support and advisories.
The officials directed that the centre’s services be expanded to reassure the farming community. They also reviewed the Paadi Pantalu magazine and channel, which are used to communicate with farmers, and suggested improvements to make the platforms more accessible.
The centre’s role extends beyond monitoring weather conditions. According to the officials, its primary objective is to integrate digital technology, satellite information and real-time farmer inputs so that early warnings, crop advisories and government assistance can reach affected cultivators more efficiently.
Special officers have been designated to oversee El Nino mitigation measures under the state’s Primary Mission. The government’s next steps include expanding the centre’s services and improving the accessibility of its farmer communication channels.
