Drought report: On southwest monsoon, drought in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are facing severe drought conditions following a significant deficit in the southwest monsoon, leading to widespread crop damage. The article discusses the administrative challenges of drought declaration and the urgent need for the central government to release disaster relief funds to support affected farmers.
Why it matters
Climate-induced agricultural distress directly impacts food security and the economic stability of millions of farmers in India.
A substantial drought seems to be inflicting Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh after the crucial southwest monsoon concluded with a significant deficiency in the most-affected regions. The national drought framework combines agricultural and hydrological indicators and ground-truthing studies, including before a distressed State can access additional support from the NDRF. In June-September, Karnataka reportedly suffered a close to 35% rainfall deficit . The government has since declared 217 of 240 taluks to be drought-hit with extensive damage to red gram, maize, cotton, and sugarcane cultivation. Andhra Pradesh experienced a shortfall of 53% in June-August and 388 of 688 mandals have been declared drought-hit . Horticulture crops over nearly 18,000 hectares are now at risk. Karnataka has also petitioned the Centre for ₹11,000 crore from the NDRF along with higher input subsidies. Andhra Pradesh has set aside ₹190 crore to protect horticultural crops and has directed drinking water conservation.
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