Despite the state government declaring 388 mandals as drought-hit, including 283 under severe drought and 105 under moderate drought, relief measures have yet to reach affected communities in a meaningful way. Farmers, agricultural laborers, and rural households continue to grapple with crop damage, water scarcity, and shrinking incomes.
The declaration raised hopes of immediate assistance, but compensation for crop losses, input subsidies, drinking water supply, cattle fodder, and employment support remain largely absent on the ground. This has led to widespread disappointment among the affected population.
The crisis is most acute in Rayalaseema, Prakasam, Palnadu, and Uttarandhra, where prolonged dry spells have severely damaged crops and depleted soil moisture and groundwater reserves.
Though late-September rains linked to a cyclonic depression improved overall rainfall figures, they arrived too late to save crops that had already suffered during crucial growth stages. By September 20, the state’s rainfall deficit had crossed 50%, with nearly 625 mandals facing severe dry conditions.
This situation poses a significant challenge to the agricultural sector and rural economy in the state. Immediate assistance is crucial to alleviate the hardships faced by the people in these drought-affected regions.
