Amaravati, January 13, 2026: Farmers in Nellore district are adapting to rising climate risks by switching from chickpea to sorghum cultivation.
Chickpea acreage has plunged from nearly 30,000 acres to about 7,350 acres over three years, hit hard by erratic rainfall, prolonged dry spells, excess rains, wilt disease, and pest attacks. High input costs, labour shortages, and expensive wages added to the strain.
Sorghum, especially the drought-tolerant NTJ-5 variety promoted by Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, is gaining ground.
It matures quickly, needs fewer inputs, yields 15–20 quintals per acre at lower costs, and offers both grain and fodder. With a central minimum support price in place, it reduces financial risks in rainfed black soils.
