Crippling 52% rainfall deficit during southwest monsoon impacts kharif operations in Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh is facing a severe 52% rainfall deficit during the current southwest monsoon, significantly impacting kharif agricultural operations. Meteorological experts attribute the dry spell to El Niño and shifting weather patterns that have diverted rain away from the state.
Why it matters
The agricultural crisis threatens the livelihoods of farmers and the state's food security, necessitating urgent attention to water management.
Painting a grim picture of the current southwest monsoon season, the State has recorded an alarming cumulative rainfall shortage of 52.28% since June 1, as per the data collated from the Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Information & Management System (APWRIMS).
Against a normal seasonal average of 409.1 mm, the State has received 195.21 mm of precipitation, pushing vast swathes of the agrarian economy towards severe distress.
The crisis is widespread across both the major regions. Coastal Andhra Pradesh is grappling with a deficit of 48.49%, while Rayalaseema lags at 51.68% below normal.
North coastal and southern interior districts bear the brunt of the dry spell. Districts such as Visakhapatnam (-57.12%), East Godavari (-57.49%), and Prakasam (-68.66%) have recorded massive shortfalls. The situation is most acute in Annamayya district, which has plunged into the scanty category with a staggering 75.88% deficit.
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