Naidu directs comprehensive support for farmers in A.P. amid El Niño threat
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday directed officials to extend all possible support to farmers as the State braces for severe El
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday directed officials to extend all possible support to farmers as the State braces for severe El Niño-induced drought conditions. He underscored the need for timely advisories, universal crop insurance, and coordinated mitigation efforts. Chairing a review meeting at the Secretariat, Mr. Naidu assessed the likely impact of El Niño and the government’s preparedness. Officials informed him that Andhra Pradesh recorded a 69% rainfall deficit in July, while rainfall during the June-November season is expected to remain 35-40% below normal.
Against the normal rainfall of 844 mm, the State is likely to receive only 551 mm this season. They said all districts could be affected, with West Godavari, Prakasam, Annamayya, Krishna and YSR Kadapa expected to face acute drought conditions. Officials projected that 2.78 lakh hectares of cotton and 1.07 lakh hectares of paddy could be affected, with Srikakulam likely to record the highest paddy losses. They also identified 122 high-risk mandals across the State. Alternative crops The Chief Minister instructed officials to maximise the use of available Vamsadhara river waters, explore borewell-based irrigation in vulnerable areas and launch awareness campaigns from August 3 to encourage farmers to shift from paddy to alternative crops such as red gram, black gram and castor.
Naidu made it clear that every cultivated crop must be covered under crop insurance, warning that District Collectors would be held accountable if any eligible crop remained uninsured. Officials said insurance enrolment under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and the Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme would continue until July 31, while paddy farmers can enrol until August 15. The Chief Minister also ordered the establishment of a dedicated El Niño Control Room for continuous monitoring and scientific advisories through Rythu Seva Kendras. He directed officials to ensure adequate drinking water and year-long fodder availability, maintain milk production, prevent price rise in essential commodities, and establish one Mobile Rythu Bazaar in every district.
He also called for close coordination among departments and regular field visits by Ministers and officials to monitor the evolving situation.
The BriefWire