Labour Demand Rises as Paddy Planting Intensifies in Mancherial

Mancherial: Paddy planting is in full swing across Mancherial district as farmers begin cultivation simultaneously, leading to a surge in demand for agricultural labourers. Farmers are offering Rs 400 per day to women labourers, along with free transportation, to address the labour shortage.

Satish, a farmer from Kalamadugu, said he had hired 20 labourers from Kawal village, located 10 km away, due to the shortage of workers in his area. “Most paddy planting operations are carried out by women, and we have to arrange transportation for them,” he explained.

Farmers under the Kadam ayacut are particularly optimistic this season, following Rs 9.45 crore worth of repairs to the Kadam project. The irrigation upgrades ensure water availability for both Kharif and Yasangi seasons, benefiting mandals such as Dandepalli, Jannaram, Luxettipet, Kadam, and Pembi. Irrigation officials have already released water into the left canal of the Kadam project, and additional water is being supplied via the Gudem lift irrigation scheme.

“Paddy planting is creating a lot of activity in rural areas,” Satish added.

Gangavva, a labourer from Kawal village, said he was happy with the work opportunities during this busy season. “We get good wages and steady work during paddy planting, especially when there is a labour shortage,” she said.

With irrigation projects providing ample water and farmers investing in borewells and motors to irrigate their fields, the region is set for a productive agricultural season. The Kadam project continues to play a vital role in sustaining paddy cultivation across the Nirmal and Mancherial districts.