HYDERABAD

With the possibility of erratic weather conditions due to El Nino posing a challenge to rainfed agriculture, an agriculture officer is stressing on climate-resilient farming practices.

Agriculture Extension Officer (AEO) Nagarjun Talare, who recently conducted an awareness programme on seed pelletisation in red gram in the field of farmer Gandham Raji Reddy at Bandarupally village in Thogutta mandal, Siddipet district, said that El Nino conditions could lead to delayed rainfall, prolonged dry spells and moisture stress, adversely affecting germination and crop establishment in rainfed crops like red gram.

“Seed pelletisation can help farmers mitigate the adverse effects of erratic rainfall. The technique enables seeds to remain viable for a longer period and germinate when favourable moisture conditions are available,” he said.

Explaining the process, he said ‘Beejamrutham-treated’ seeds are coated with layers of clay soil, Ghanajeevamrutham powder, and wood ash to prepare seed pellets that are three to five times larger than normal seeds. The pellets protect seeds from birds and insect pests and can germinate even when the soil receives only 10 to 15 mm of rainfall, he added.

Mr. Nagarjun said the pellets could remain viable for up to six months under low-moisture conditions and that seedlings emerging from them could withstand water stress for 25 to 40 days, making the technique suitable for drought-prone areas.

He advised farmers to sow the pellets at a depth of 5 cm for better germination and uniform crop establishment. The AEO also explained the benefits of seed pelletization, including improved moisture retention, synchronised germination, early crop establishment and precision sowing.

A practical demonstration on the preparation of seed pellets was also conducted during the programme. Farmers were urged to adopt the technique ahead of sowing red gram during the current agricultural season.