The situation of farmers in Andhra Pradesh is becoming increasingly distressing with each passing day. With hardly any sign of rainfall, agricultural activity has come to a standstill. Severe rainfall deficiency, coupled with what critics describe as the Chandrababu Naidu government’s alleged negligence, is raising concerns over the prospects of the kharif season. With agricultural work drying up, farm labourers are struggling for employment. Farmers who have already cultivated their fields are watching their parched, cracked lands with despair as crops struggle for water.
Even as the kharif season enters its final phase, the monsoon has failed to bring relief, leaving agricultural operations severely affected. Fields that should have been covered with lush green crops are instead lying barren due to the lack of rainfall. Despite this, the government, which is expected to address the farmers’ problems, is being criticised for allegedly remaining indifferent to the worsening situation.
Rainfall Deficit in Andhra Pradesh
14% Deficit at the National Level.. A Massive 54.73% Deficit in AP
The country has recorded a 14% rainfall deficit at the national level. However, the situation in Andhra Pradesh is considerably worse. The state has recorded an alarming 54.73% rainfall deficit. All 28 districts in the state have reported deficient rainfall, making the situation particularly severe.
- 11 districts have recorded a rainfall deficit of 50–59%
- 10 districts have recorded a deficit of 40–49%
- 5 districts have recorded a deficit of more than 60%
- Nellore and Tirupati districts have recorded a rainfall deficit of 80–89%
Despite such severe drought-like conditions, farmers say they are yet to see adequate reassurance and support from the government.
Reservoirs Running Dry.. Groundwater Levels Also Falling
The absence of adequate rainfall has caused reservoir levels to decline sharply, making recovery difficult for farmers. At the same time, groundwater levels have also fallen considerably. Soil moisture has almost completely disappeared in several areas.
With water resources becoming increasingly scarce, rain-fed crops are bearing the brunt of the drought. Families dependent on agriculture, along with the rural economy as a whole, are facing severe economic pressure.
Kharif Cultivation Target High.. Ground Reality Far Behind
The normal kharif cultivated area in Andhra Pradesh is 91.84 lakh acres. This year, the government set a target of cultivating at least 80 lakh acres. However, even after nearly 100 days since the beginning of the kharif season, cultivation has not progressed as expected.
So far, crops have been cultivated across only 52.84 lakh acres in the state. This represents a substantial gap between the government’s target and the actual cultivated area. With the kharif season expected to conclude in another three weeks, the figures indicate that cultivation may not even cross 75% of the target this year.
Only Four Districts Cross 80% of Normal Cultivation
The situation is even worse in several districts. Areas including Anakapalli, Prakasam, Annamayya, Polavaram, Markapuram and Chittoor have witnessed a significant decline in cultivation compared with their normal cultivated area.
According to the figures mentioned in the clipping, four districts have failed to achieve even 80% of their normal cultivated area. Visakhapatnam has recorded cultivation at around 35%, while YSR Kadapa stands at 38%, Palnadu at 44% and Bapatla at more than 47%.
The highest cultivated areas have been recorded in Kurnool at 8.13 lakh acres, Anantapur at 5.41 lakh acres, Nandyal at 3.8 lakh acres and Sri Sathya Sai district at 2.57 lakh acres. These areas are predominantly dependent on rain-fed dryland crops.
Rain-Fed Crops Withering.. Investments of Over ₹2,000 Crore at Risk
Rain-fed crops are now facing severe water shortages. Due to the acute rainfall deficit, crops are drying up. Estimates indicate that crops across nearly 50–60% of the cultivated area are at risk of drying up.
Farmers’ investments are also under serious threat. More than ₹2,000 crore worth of investments are reportedly at risk. Farmers who borrowed money and invested between ₹15,000 and ₹25,000 per acre are now facing uncertainty over whether they will be able to harvest their crops.
The dried-up chickpea crop in Veldurthi of Kurnool district reflects the grim condition of farmers.
Crop-Wise Cultivation Figures Also Raise Concerns
The impact of the rainfall deficit is clearly visible in crop-wise cultivation as well. Major crops such as paddy, pulses, cotton, maize and groundnut have failed to reach their expected cultivation levels.
According to the figures in the clipping, crop cultivation at the national level stands at 102.38% of the normal cultivated area, while several major crops in Andhra Pradesh remain significantly below their normal acreage. The lack of rainfall has forced many farmers to reconsider or abandon their cultivation plans.
Although Telangana is also facing unfavourable conditions in some areas, the rainfall deficit in Andhra Pradesh is considerably more severe, causing growing concern among the state’s farming community.
Paddy Cultivation Also Takes a Hit
Paddy cultivation in Andhra Pradesh has declined significantly compared with its normal cultivated area. The lack of water availability during a crucial stage of cultivation has created serious difficulties for farmers.
The situation in the Godavari delta regions is also reportedly concerning. With uncertainty over water availability, farmers are struggling to determine how they can protect their standing crops.
Pulses, Cotton and Maize Also Affected
The cultivation of pulses has also remained below normal levels. Cotton and maize cultivation have similarly been hit hard by the rainfall deficit. With inadequate rainfall, crops that have already been cultivated are now at risk of drying up.
The situation is particularly worrying in dryland areas. With insufficient water for cultivation, farmers face the possibility of losing both their investments and the hard work they have put into their crops.
No Rain Even in September.. But Government Yet to Respond
The absence of rainfall during the crucial phase of the kharif season is one problem. Another major concern is that the government has not yet announced an alternative crop plan to help farmers cope with the situation.
Despite the drought-like conditions becoming increasingly visible, there has reportedly been no declaration of drought-affected mandals and no announcement of a special drought relief package. Farmers say that even as their crops are drying up, there is little visible movement from the government machinery.
With both farmers and agricultural labourers facing uncertainty, the rural economy is coming under increasing strain. The decline in agricultural activity has resulted in fewer employment opportunities for farm labourers.
List of Rainfall-Deficient Districts Also Raises Alarm
The figures from districts that have recorded severe rainfall deficits underline the seriousness of the situation.
According to the figures cited in the clipping, Annamayya recorded a 76.9% rainfall deficit, Prakasam 71.2%, Chittoor 65.7%, Markapuram 69.8% and Visakhapatnam 60.5%.
At the state level, Andhra Pradesh is shown as having the highest rainfall deficit at 54.73%, followed by Jharkhand at 40%, Punjab at 34%, Karnataka at 30%, Kerala at 23%, Tamil Nadu at 22%, Rajasthan at 21.16% and Telangana at 21%.
At a Time When Farmers Need Support.. Why Is the Chandrababu Government Silent?
Farmers have borrowed money and invested thousands of rupees per acre. With rainfall failing, crops are drying up. Reservoirs and groundwater levels are declining, while agricultural labourers are losing employment. The rural economy is also coming under severe pressure.
Against this backdrop, farmers are questioning why the Chandrababu government has not declared drought-affected mandals, announced a special drought relief package or introduced an alternative crop plan.
When farmers are facing a crisis, the government should not merely rely on statistics. It needs to assess the situation on the ground, identify crop losses and provide compensation, alternative irrigation arrangements, drought relief and immediate financial support to farmers.
Farmers Wait for Rain.. Government Action Still Awaited!
There is no rainfall.. agricultural activity has stalled.. crops are drying up.. investments are at risk.. and farm labourers are losing work. While the national rainfall deficit stands at 14%, Andhra Pradesh has recorded a massive 54.73% deficit. All 28 districts have been affected by deficient rainfall. Reservoirs and groundwater sources are declining, while investments worth more than ₹2,000 crore are reportedly at risk.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, there is no declaration of drought-affected mandals, no special drought package and no alternative crop plan. This has further aggravated concerns among farmers.
When will the government act as crops continue to dry up? When will drought-affected mandals be declared when the crisis is visible? When will farmers receive relief when their investments are at risk? These are the questions the Chandrababu government now faces.
