Dry spell leaves Chittoor farmers staring at crop loss

Farmers in the Indian district of Chittoor are grappling with a severe water crisis, threatening their kharif crops. The region has experienced a prolonged dry spell following a significant rainfall deficit since March. With just 3,033.4 mm of rain recorded between June and August, a 64.5% shortfall compared to the normal 8,543.1 mm, farmers face a grim outlook.

While June brought some respite, with 1,476.4 mm of rainfall against the usual 2,228.3 mm, July's rainfall plummeted to a mere 414.8 mm, a staggering 85.5% below the normal 2,863.2 mm. August's rainfall further worsened the situation, with just 66.9% of the expected 2,939.2 mm falling. The crisis is most acute in the western parts of the district, where deficits ranged from 79.9% in Yadamarri to 90.9% in Gudupalle.

The lack of adequate rainfall has left standing crops vulnerable, leading to poor germination, stunted growth, and withering plants. Many farmers who initially resowed after June's rain have since abandoned the idea due to the escalating cost of cultivation. The prolonged dry spell has also strained groundwater levels, with the threat of El Niño forcing many to forgo new borewell installations.

The rainfall deficit has reduced inflows into tanks, ponds, and streams, exacerbating the pressure on drinking water sources in villages. In Kuppam and Palamaner mandals, vital dairy hubs, farmers are particularly concerned about the drying up of grazing lands and the scarcity of fodder.