K Kalyan Krishna Kumar @ Vijayawada: Cyclone Montha is expected to impact Andhra Pradesh between October 26 and 29, triggering heavy rainfall and strong winds across the coastal districts, threatening the standing crops. According to the State Agriculture Department, over 6.23 lakh hectares of standing Kharif crops are at high risk of damage.
The Crop Vulnerability and Advisory Report warns that several districts may suffer extensive crop losses, especially Dr Ambedkar Konaseema, East and West Godavari, Krishna, NTR and Eluru.
Districts under severe crop threat
| District | Vulnerable area ( in hectares) | Rainfall forecast | Wind speed (expected) |
| Krishna | 1,36,924 | 91.6 mm | 55.6 kmph |
| Eluru | 80,865 | 172.1 mm | 55.4 kmph |
| West Godavari | 86,297 | 195.4 mm | 56.1 kmph |
| Dr Ambedkar Konaseema | 60,373 | 154.5 mm | 56.3 kmph |
| East Godavari | 46,672 | 135.5 mm | 50.7 kmph |
200 mm rainfall, 70 kmph winds expected
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted rainfall up to 200 mm and wind speeds crossing 60–70 kmph along the Kakinada and Visakhapatnam coastline. These cyclone conditions may severely impact crops currently in crucial growth stages. “Many paddy fields are in the panicle emergence stage. Even short-term inundation or lodging can reduce grain quality,” a senior agriculture department official said.
To prevent large-scale losses, the Agriculture Department has issued urgent advisories for farmers:
Paddy: Drain excess water and spray 200 ml of Propiconazole per acre to prevent fungal infections
Cotton: Harvest mature bolls immediately to prevent rot
Maize: Apply 25 kg urea + 10 kg potash per acre after rainfall
Sugarcane: Strengthen crop support and clean drainage channels
Control rooms set up, cyclone threat ahead of Kharif crop harvest
The State government has activated control rooms in all districts with monitoring by Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs) and automatic weather stations. Joint teams from Agriculture, Revenue and Disaster Management are carrying out field inspections in flood-prone mandals.
“Timely alerts and farmer coordination can prevent large-scale damage. RBKs are on continuous watch,” an official added.
Cyclone Montha arrives just as farmers prepare for the final Kharif crops harvest, making this a crucial test of disaster preparedness. The state government says field-level coordination and early evacuation of crops will reduce the economic impact.
