Andhra Pradesh adopts four-pronged strategy to support agriculture amid 51% rainfall deficit

Andhra Pradesh has implemented a four-pronged strategy to cope with the state's 51% deficit rainfall during the Kharif-2026 season, as reported by Agriculture Director Manazir Jeelani Samoon. The deficit rainfall was recorded nationwide, with all 28 districts of Andhra Pradesh experiencing less-than-normal precipitation. Agriculture supports a significant portion of the state's population, hence the government's prioritization of protecting farmers and rural livelihoods.

In preparation for the challenging monsoon season, the Agriculture Department began planning in February, collaborating with the Indian Meteorological Department and the Central Rice Research Institute to risk-grade all 8,489 Rythu Seva Kendrams, identifying 1,357 as high-risk and 2,077 as moderate-risk areas. Based on local water availability, the government devised a four-pronged strategy, focusing on optimizing water use in irrigated areas, shifting farmers in water-scarce regions to drought-resilient crops, promoting natural farming practices, and expanding farm ponds, moisture conservation, crop diversification, and fodder security.

The state has also increased crop insurance coverage, raising insured acreage from 7.83 lakh hectares in Kharif-2025 to 16.39 lakh hectares this season. To monitor crop health, 'Rythanna Meekosam' campaigns were conducted, surveying 96.91% of the targeted 2.74 crore plots. As of now, most crops remain in normal condition, although stress has been reported in Kurnool and Nandyal districts.

The state has sown 20.35 lakh hectares so far, a decrease from the previous year's 25.63 lakh hectares, reflecting a strategic shift towards drought-resilient crops to optimize water usage rather than a decline in agricultural activity.