Farmers in Rayalaseema have raised serious questions over the government’s proposed Rs 1 lakh crore investment plan for a horticulture hub at a time when severe drought conditions are affecting the region. Farmers staged an unusual protest by putting up flex banners in dried-up fields, questioning how large investments can be promised when their crops are struggling for water.
The farmers said there was a clear gap between the government’s Rayalaseema Rising investment campaign and the ground situation in drought-hit villages. While the government is promoting major investments in horticulture, many farmers are facing crop losses, water shortages and financial difficulties.
Severe Drought Conditions in Rayalaseema
Farmers pointed out that out of the 388 mandals declared drought-affected across Andhra Pradesh, 186 are located in Rayalaseema. Similarly, 159 of the 283 mandals identified as facing severe drought are in the region.
They also highlighted the rainfall deficit recorded in the state between June and August. According to government data cited by the farmers, Andhra Pradesh recorded a 53.4 per cent rainfall deficit during this period.
The situation is particularly severe in several Rayalaseema districts. As of October 3, the rainfall deficit was reported at 63.2 per cent in Annamayya, 58.5 per cent in Sri Sathya Sai, 47.2 per cent in Chittoor, 49.4 per cent in YSR Kadapa, and 45.5 per cent in Kurnool and Nandyal districts.
Horticulture Crops Hit by Water Shortage
Farmers said the continuing dry spell has resulted in borewells drying up and created serious problems for irrigation. Horticulture crops such as mango and lemon are also being affected by the lack of water.
Farmers growing tomato, chilli, onion, banana, lemon and mango are facing another major problem — poor market prices. They said inadequate prices for their produce have increased their financial burden at a time when cultivation costs are already rising.
The farmers questioned the government’s investment plans with a simple message: “When our crops are drying up, where are the Rs 1 lakh crore investments?”
Farmers Demand Immediate Drought Relief
Farmers have demanded immediate measures to address the Rayalaseema drought conditions, along with a detailed assessment of crop losses. They sought compensation for damaged crops, input subsidies, crop insurance support and adequate fodder for livestock.
They also demanded a fresh review of the drought-affected mandals and the rescheduling of agricultural loans to provide relief to farmers struggling with repayment.
The farmers called for a comprehensive drought relief package for Rayalaseema and urged the government to move beyond investment announcements and promotional campaigns.
They said the government must focus on the immediate problems faced by farmers in drought-hit villages, particularly water shortages, crop losses and declining farm incomes.
The farmers stressed that long-term investments in the Rayalaseema horticulture sector can succeed only when basic issues such as irrigation, drought management, crop protection and farmer incomes are addressed.
