Farmers in Chittoor and Annamayya face drought despite cyclones

Despite two consecutive cyclones hitting the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh, farmers in Chittoor and Annamayya districts have found no relief. A severe lack of moisture is being observed in the fields of both districts, leaving farmers struggling with acute water shortages and a mounting burden of debt. These storms have failed to alleviate the severe drought persisting in this region.

According to a report by The Hindu, seasonal rainfall has been significantly lower than average, putting immense pressure on groundwater levels. As the time for Rabi season sowing approaches, the water scarcity has left farmers anxious. The situation is particularly critical in Annamayya district. Between June 1 and November 3, the area typically receives 549.1 mm of rainfall, but only 288.5 mm was recorded, representing a steep decline of 47.5%.

Groundnuts and pulses (red gram) dominate the agricultural landscape of Annamayya district, accounting for nearly 75 per cent of the total cultivated area. The vulnerability of this region became evident during the Kharif sowing season, as only 36 per cent of the normal sowing area was covered in Annamayya. According to these figures, this district has become the most affected in the entire state.

On the other hand, Chittoor district expected 637.3 mm of rainfall, but only 431.8 mm was recorded, showing a decrease of 32.2 per cent. Although unexpected rains occurred in some parts of Chittoor in October due to cyclone 'Arnab', the overall seasonal rainfall deficit in the district remains substantial.

The impact of cyclone 'Mursu' was primarily confined to the coastal belt, while the interior regions of Chittoor and Annamayya remain dry. This has raised questions over the prospects of the Rabi season. Essential crops such as Bengal gram and other pulses require ample soil moisture, but drying borewells and depleting tank storage are likely to create a severe crisis in sowing.

A senior scientist at YSR Horticulture University in Anantarajupeta, Tirupati district, stated that the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has warned that a strong or very strong El Niño influence will persist until January-March 2027. He added, "Such conditions cast an uncertain shadow over regular agricultural planning." Farmers are now demanding immediate intervention from the administration. They are calling for intensive monitoring of groundwater, a robust emergency framework for drinking water, and the speedy disbursement of crop insurance funds.