CM Chandrababu Naidu warns of El Niño-driven rainfall deficiency in AP and calls for water conservation, crop diversification and wider crop insurance.
Amaravati: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has warned that the impact of El Niño could lead to significant rainfall deficiency and drought-like conditions in several parts of Andhra Pradesh, and called for greater public awareness and effective water and crop management.
Speaking in the Legislative Assembly on Monday, Naidu said the State was expected to receive around 867 mm of rainfall between June and December 2026, but the actual rainfall could be limited to around 557 mm.
He said rainfall deficiency had reached 68 per cent in some districts in July, while deficits of around 35 per cent were anticipated in August and September, 25 per cent in October and 20 per cent in November.
Naidu said water availability was declining across major river basins, with reservoirs and irrigation projects reaching critical levels.
Srisailam, which normally receives around 753 TMC of water, had received only 214 TMC this year. Reduced rainfall had also affected inflows into Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar, while water availability in the Godavari basin was also under pressure.
Recalling the importance of the Pattiseema project, the Chief Minister said around 500 TMC of Godavari water had been transferred to the Krishna Delta through the project, benefiting more than 13 lakh acres. The government was working to transfer another 40 TMC, he said.
Naidu said available water should be used judiciously, with drinking water receiving the first priority, followed by industrial requirements.
He urged farmers to shift towards horticulture, millets and other drought-resilient crops. He specifically advised farmers in the Krishna region not to cultivate paddy considering the prevailing water situation.
The Chief Minister said El Niño was affecting not only agriculture but also inflation. Paddy cultivation had declined by around 1.14 lakh hectares, while maize, groundnut and millet cultivation had also fallen, except pulses.
Naidu directed MLAs to ensure that all eligible crops were covered under crop insurance before the end-of-August deadline.
He said 19.50 lakh farmers had enrolled for crop insurance last year, compared with 35.17 lakh this year. Non-loanee enrolment increased from two lakh to 20.35 lakh.
The insured area rose from 7.83 lakh hectares to 15.17 lakh hectares, with crops worth around Rs. 13,983 crore covered under insurance, placing Andhra Pradesh fifth nationally, he said.
The government has prepared a five-point strategy to minimise the impact of El Niño:
Naidu also said the government was establishing 20,000 Gokulam sheds and taking measures to ensure adequate fodder and protect dairy production.
He directed public representatives and officials to educate farmers about the prevailing water situation and help them choose suitable crops. A short-term action plan has also been prepared to address the El Niño situation, he said.
