CM Chandrababu Reviews El Niño Impact

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the impact of El Niño and the measures required to minimise its effect on farmers and agriculture. Officials informed the Chief Minister that the state recorded a 69% rainfall deficit in July and that rainfall between June and November is likely to be around 551 mm against the normal 844 mm. They warned that the El Niño impact could be more severe than initially anticipated.

Officials said drought-like conditions are expected to affect districts including West Godavari, Prakasam, Annamayya, Krishna and Kadapa. Around 2.78 lakh hectares of cotton and 1.07 lakh hectares of paddy are likely to be impacted, with Srikakulam expected to witness significant damage to paddy crops. The government has identified 122 high-risk mandals and plans to launch awareness campaigns, promote alternative crops, implement emergency seed plans and encourage crop insurance enrolment. The Chief Minister also directed officials to explore irrigation support through the Vamsadhara project and ensure adequate fodder availability for livestock.