Farmers in crisis as drought worsens

Tadepalli, August 7: The YSRCP Farmers’ Wing President and former Vice Chairman of the AP Agriculture Mission, MVS Nagi Reddy, has strongly condemned the Andhra Pradesh state government for its gross negligence in addressing the severe drought conditions plaguing the state. Despite a staggering 26.89% rainfall deficit from June 1 to August 7, 2025, leaving farmers in distress, the government has failed to act decisively. “The state is reeling under drought, with farmers struggling to survive, yet the government remains indifferent,” he stated, highlighting the crisis affecting millions.
The rainfall data paints a grim picture: while the state should have received an average of 287.03 mm of rainfall by August 7, only 209.84 mm was recorded, resulting in a 26.89% deficit. Twelve districts, including Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore (-50.99%), YSR Kadapa (-42.19%), and West Godavari (-36.11%), face deficits exceeding 20%, while seven others, including Krishna (-18.64%) and Nandyal (-17.83%), report deficits above 10%. This shortfall has crippled the Kharif season, with only 52% of the targeted 31.15 lakh hectares sown as of August 6, 2025. Crops like groundnut, pulses, and cotton are particularly hard-hit, with groundnut cultivation reaching only 27% of the estimated 4.97 lakh hectares, severely impacting farmers’ livelihoods and threatening fodder shortages for livestock.
Nagi Reddy criticized the government’s failure to ensure water supply to tail-end canal lands and small irrigation projects, exacerbating the crisis in rain-fed areas. “Even where major irrigation projects have sufficient water, tail-endr farmers are left high and dry,” he said. The government’s inaction extends to critical inputs like fertilizers, with urea shortages forcing farmers to pay Rs. 100-150 extra per bag on the black market or purchase unwanted complex fertilizers. “If there’s no urea shortage, why are farmers told they can only get two bags or forced to buy liquid nano-urea?” he questioned, demanding immediate action from the Agriculture Department.
The withdrawal of the free crop insurance scheme, previously implemented by the YSRCP government, has further compounded farmers’ woes. With premiums now ranging from Rs. 571 for groundnut to Rs. 1,939 for cotton per acre, many farmers cannot afford coverage, leaving them vulnerable to losses. “The coalition government must reinstate free crop insurance to protect farmers from this crisis,” he urged. He also called for 90% subsidized seeds for alternative crops and subsidized fodder from the Animal Husbandry Department to mitigate the looming fodder crisis.
Nagi Reddy emphasized the need for urgent action, stating, “Farmers are the backbone of Andhra Pradesh, and their survival is non-negotiable. The government must prioritize their needs with immediate relief measures.” He urged the Agriculture Department to devise contingency plans for alternative crops and ensure timely input supply to prevent further distress.