Despite 51% rainfall deficit, AP sustains kharif cultivation through advance planning: Atchannaidu
The Minister said Andhra Pradesh received only 192.8 mm of rainfall between the first week of June and August 25, against the normal 393.7 mm, recording a deficit of 51%. Despite the adverse conditions, kharif crops had been raised in 20.35 lakh hectares, he said.
Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu announced on August 26, 2026 that the Andhra Pradesh government had implemented strategies to protect kharif cultivation from the effects of a severe rainfall deficit and El Niño conditions. Despite receiving only 192.8 mm of rainfall between June and August, compared to the normal 393.7 mm, kharif crops were raised on 20.35 lakh hectares.
The Minister emphasized the shift towards less water-intensive crops, with the area under pulses increasing by 23.6% and red gram, black gram, and green bean acreage all rising. Paddy remained the largest area at 10.37 lakh hectares. The government began preparations for potential El Niño impacts as early as February, and began implementing the "Raithanna Meekosam – El Niño Impact Mitigation Plan – Kharif 2026" on August 7.
Crop insurance coverage expanded significantly, with applications rising from 19.5 lakh to 35.1 lakh and insured area increasing from 7.83 lakh to 15.1 lakh hectares. The Minister also criticized the previous YSRCP government for failing to provide adequate crop insurance protection.
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