Amaravati, Jul 27 (PTI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday directed officials to create awareness among farmers on the impact of the El Niño effect, especially as it is projected to intensify throughout the year.
During El Niño, the equatorial Pacific will be characterised by usually warm ocean temperatures, leading to the oscillation of the ocean-atmosphere system in the tropical Pacific with vital consequences for weather on a global scale.
During a review meeting at the Real Time Governance System (RTGS) Centre in the secretariat, the Chief Minister directed officials to inform farmers over the likely consequences of the climatic phenomenon and encourage them to go for alternative crops.
“In view of forecasts indicating
a strong El Niño impact throughout the year, the Chief Minister instructed officials to strengthen the measures already in place and create more awareness among farmers,” a release said.
Likewise, he instructed the Agriculture Department to effectively implement the crop insurance action plan.
Reviewing the performance of various other departments, Naidu observed that there are still gaps in the delivery of government services in remote areas of the state.
Referring to the feedback received from the public during his recent visit to Alur assembly constituency, he stressed that government employees’ performance must align with the expectations and needs of the people, said the press release.
The Chief Minister also referred to the suicide of Murram Shivani, a tribal student from Polavaram district. Calling her a meritorious student from Rampachodavaram, Naidu expressed deep anguish over the incident.
Shivani had shared the stage with Naidu and Human Resource Development Minister Nara Lokesh on July 24 at Rampachodavaram during the ‘Mega Parent Teacher Meeting 4.0’ and addressed thousands of students, parents and the people of the state.
Meanwhile, officials informed the Chief Minister that the School Education Department has initiated measures to conduct psychometric assessments to monitor students’ mental well-being.
The Chief Minister directed officials to engage mental health experts for proper evaluation and ensure that teachers receive adequate training to identify and support students facing psychological stress, the press release added. PTI STH ADB
