Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu chaired a high-level review meeting on Tuesday to assess the environmental changes caused by the ongoing El Niño conditions, their impact on agriculture, and the preparedness measures required by the government.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that the state is expected to receive only 551 mm of rainfall between June and November, against the normal 844 mm, indicating a significant rainfall deficit. In July alone, the state recorded a 69% rainfall deficiency, while an overall deficit of 35–40% is expected over the next three months.
The review highlighted that West Godavari, Prakasam, Annamayya, Krishna, and Kadapa districts are already experiencing drought-like conditions due to El Niño. The phenomenon is expected to affect crops over 2.78 lakh hectares of cotton and 1.07 lakh hectares of paddy.
Officials identified 122 high-risk mandals across the state. The Chief Minister directed authorities to explore the use of borewell irrigation to protect crops in these vulnerable regions.
The government will launch farmer awareness programmes from August 3, focusing on drought management, promoting alternative crops to paddy, and implementing an emergency seed distribution plan.
Officials also informed the Chief Minister that registration under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme will continue until July 31.
The review meeting was attended by senior officials from the Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, and Irrigation Departments, while Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu participated virtually via Zoom.