AMARAVATI — With El Niño tightening its grip, Andhra Pradesh is racing to shield its farmers from devastating drought. Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has ordered ministers, elected representatives, and officials to fan out across the state’s fields, advising agricultural shifts and preparing emergency water measures. The goal is starkly clear: not one acre of cultivated land should dry up.

Key facts

  • State rainfall deficit: 52% below normal
  • Seed preparation: 90,000 kg of drought-resistant varieties
  • Subsidy allocation: ₹90 crore for seed support
  • Cultivated area covered: Only 60-65% vs usual 90%

A Parched Landscape

Andhra Pradesh is among the two states hit hardest by rainfall shortages this year. Fields that should be lush by September remain stubbornly bare. Information Minister Kolusu Parthasarathy didn’t mince words after a high-stakes cabinet meeting — the situation is severe, and the clock is ticking.

Immediate Measures

The state will distribute seeds for crops that demand less water, a crucial move as traditional paddy farming becomes untenable. Drip irrigation promotions and water diversion from local tanks are also on the table. But it’s not just crops at risk. Officials must also tackle looming fodder shortages and prepare for drinking water crises in nearly 15,000 habitations.

Broader Strategy

Awareness campaigns led by agricultural university faculty will guide farmers toward profitable, water-wise choices. The government plans to blend state, central, and local funds to maximize drought aid. And while the focus remains on the fields, Minister Parthasarathy firmly denied rumors of relocating NIELIT from Tirupati, signaling stability amid the climate chaos.

“The Chief Minister had ordered immediate measures to ensure drinking water supply and irrigation facilities, besides creating awareness among farmers on crop diversification.” — Kolusu Parthasarathy