No Relief for Chittoor, Annamayya Farmers Despite Back-to-Back Cyclones

Even after two powerful cyclones swept across the Andhra Pradesh coast, the parched fields in Chittoor and Annamayya districts remain a stark reminder of the ongoing drought. Seasonal rainfall has fallen far short of expectations, exacerbating the already critical situation for farmers who rely on agriculture for their livelihoods.

In Annamayya district, which typically receives around 549.1 mm of rain annually, farmers have experienced a deficit of 47.5% with only 288.5 mm of rain recorded between June and November. This severe shortfall affects essential crops like groundnut and redgram, which account for nearly 75% of the total cropped area. Similarly, in Chittoor district, the rainfall was 431.8 mm, falling short of the expected 637.3 mm by 32.2%, further straining the region's agricultural productivity.

The immediate aftermath of Cyclone Arnab brought some much-needed rain to parts of Chittoor, but the overall impact remains significant. Cyclone Murasu, however, has hit the interior regions harder, leaving them desperately parched. Essential crops like Bengal gram and pulses require robust soil moisture levels, but the drying borewells and diminishing tank storage pose serious challenges for the upcoming rabi season.

A senior scientist from YSR Horticulture University in Tirupati highlighted the potential long-term implications of the current climate conditions. He noted that the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had flagged a strong to very strong El Niño condition extending through January-March 2027, casting a shadow over routine agrarian planning. Farmers are calling for immediate administrative intervention, including aggressive groundwater monitoring, robust drinking water contingency frameworks, and expedited crop insurance payouts to mitigate the adverse effects of the prolonged dry spell.