El Niño threatens kharif sowing in Chittoor and Annamayya districts
The persistent threat of El Niño is causing significant concern for farmers in the Chittoor and Annamayya districts, leading to fears of below-normal rainfall and crop failure. Many farmers are scaling back cultivation for the Kharif season due to the high probability of dry spells and moisture stress.
Why it matters
Climate-driven agricultural instability threatens food security and the livelihoods of farmers in semi-arid regions of India.
The threat of El Niño is once again casting a shadow over the rain-dependent Chittoor and Annamayya districts, prompting officials and farmers to prepare for a potentially challenging agricultural season.
Weather reports from the Central and State agencies have indicated a high probability that El Niño conditions will persist through the remainder of 2026, raising fears of below-normal rainfall, prolonged dry spells, and rising temperatures.
The Agriculture Department officials stated that El Niño years are often associated with delayed monsoon onset, uneven rainfall distribution, and extended dry periods. “At present, the dry spell in Chittoor district has already affected sowing operations and crop growth. We have high temperatures, and increased evapotranspiration is being felt in farmlands, leading to moisture stress,” a field officer said.
Across the Rayalaseema region, which comprises Chittoor, Annamayya, Sri Sathya Sai, Anantapur, Kurnool, and Nandyal districts, the scenario is more or less same, the official said.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in