Severe Rainfall Deficit Raises Drought Concerns
Drought-like conditions are intensifying across Andhra Pradesh, with crops drying up and farmers growing increasingly anxious. Farmer organisations and opposition parties in several districts are demanding that the government immediately declare the affected areas as drought mandals. Despite the worsening situation, criticism is mounting that the government has failed to take timely preventive measures.
Of the state’s 687 mandals, drought-like conditions are reportedly being witnessed in as many as 625 mandals. Farmer organisations allege that the government has shown negligence in taking steps to provide relief and reassurance to affected farmers. They point out that rainfall across the state has remained significantly below normal during June, July and August, with several areas recording a severe rainfall deficit.
Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema Hit by Dry Spell
The lack of rainfall is severely affecting farmers in both Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema. With little or no rain, paddy nurseries and other crops that have already been sown are drying up, while uncertainty continues over the next phase of cultivation.
Critics argue that although the impact of El Niño was known, the government failed to prepare adequately and formulate advance plans to deal with the anticipated rainfall deficit.
Rayalaseema Faces a More Serious Situation
Farmers say the situation in Rayalaseema is particularly worrying. Although water has reached the Srisailam reservoir, they allege that the required quantity of water has not been released to Rayalaseema through the Pothireddypadu head regulator.
Farmers are also expressing concern that water is being utilised for power generation while several irrigation projects in Rayalaseema are approaching dead-storage levels. Farmers under the KC Canal system have been demanding the release of irrigation water, but the government has allegedly failed to respond adequately to their concerns.
Demand to Declare Drought Mandals Immediately
Against this backdrop, farmer organisations are demanding that the government immediately identify the drought-affected mandals and officially declare them as drought-hit areas.
They argue that an official drought declaration could provide some relief to farmers. However, any delay in the process could worsen the losses already being suffered by the farming community.
What Relief Can Farmers Receive?
Once an area is officially declared drought-affected, several relief measures can potentially be made available to farmers and rural communities.
Farmers who have suffered severe crop losses could receive input subsidies and compensation. Rescheduling crop loans could also provide immediate relief from the financial burden faced by farmers.
Crop Insurance and Support for the Next Season
A drought declaration could also help expedite the process of crop insurance compensation. The government could provide support in the form of seeds and other agricultural inputs to help farmers prepare for the next cultivation season.
Additional employment opportunities under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) could also be provided in drought-hit areas. This could help reduce rural distress and prevent migration caused by a lack of agricultural employment.
Drinking Water and Fodder Arrangements
In areas facing severe water shortages, special measures can be taken to ensure drinking water supplies. Fodder centres can also be established to support livestock owners and prevent cattle from being affected by the prolonged dry conditions.
If the state government prepares and submits a comprehensive drought report to the Centre, it could also seek central assistance depending on the severity of the situation and applicable relief mechanisms.
Why the Delay in Declaring Drought Mandals?
Despite the availability of several potential relief measures, farmers are questioning why the government is delaying the declaration of drought-affected mandals.
With crops drying up before their eyes, waiting for an official announcement is adding to the burden on farmers, they argue. Farmer organisations say that relief should not be delayed until the situation reaches a critical stage.
Farmers Seek Immediate Government Action
Rather than waiting until drought conditions become severe, the government has a responsibility to act in advance and minimise losses. Farmer organisations and opposition parties are urging the government to assess the ground situation immediately, identify the affected mandals and initiate relief measures without further delay.
The key question now is whether the government will respond to the concerns of farmers and take immediate action—or whether continued delays in declaring drought-affected areas will allow farmers’ losses to increase further.
