AP govt to cloud seed once monsoon arrives

Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh: For farmers in Andhra, the wait for rains seems endless. It's not just the farmers, even the state government is waiting for the monsoon. Because once the first monsoon clouds are spotted, it will start cloud seeding. However, does cloud seeding actually assist in bringing rainfall?

"In a way the delayed monsoons are helpful because we will be prepared without cloud seeding program by then which would roughly be around 10-15th July," said Coordinator, Andhra Pradesh cloud seeding program, Dr Venkateshwar Rao.

Dr Rao explained that cloud seeding does not cause artificial rain. Instead it increases the amount of rainfall by 20 to 25 per cent.

So how does cloud seeding work ?

First, a cloud that could burst is identified by two radars on ground. An aircraft is then used to spray the cloud with particles like calcium chloride.

These particles help form more number of raindrops and thus increase rainfall.

The Andhra Pradesh government has been running the programme for the last years. The objective was to avoid drought in rain shadow districts. Critics say, it's a waste of money. The annual expenditure on the programme is Rs 25-30 crore.

But Agni, the company that does cloud seeding, say the technique has shown results.

"The data is out for everyone to see," said CEO, Agni Aviation, Arvind Sharma.

First prayers and now cloud seeding. But with lacking infrastructure, experts say there is only so much that the government and the farmers can count on on the "cloud seeding program".

For if it is to make a difference, the program's requirement is as basic as the arrival of a monsoon cloud.

With inputs from Deepa Balakrishnan

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