Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to implement short- and medium-term action plans to mitigate the impact of El Nino, amid a sharp rainfall deficit across the state.
During a teleconference on Sunday with senior officials, district collectors and staff of Rythu Seva Kendras (RSKs), Naidu reviewed the rainfall situation, agricultural operations and measures being taken to support farmers.
Andhra Pradesh has recorded a 50.7% rainfall deficit, with Prakasam, Annamayya and Sri Sathya Sai districts facing particularly difficult conditions. Against the Kharif cultivation target of 30.84 lakh hectares, cultivation has so far begun on around 79% of the targeted area.
Naidu directed officials to extend necessary support to farmers and monitor the prices of essential commodities, including rice, onions, palm oil and red gram. He also asked officials to review rice stocks and release supplies into the market if required to prevent price escalation.
The chief minister stressed that crop insurance compensation should reach affected farmers without delay. He also directed officials to effectively utilise the ₹190 crore allocated for protecting horticultural crops.
Naidu called for greater focus on rain-fed crops, natural farming and household vegetable gardens as part of efforts to strengthen resilience amid changing weather conditions.
He urged elected representatives, officials, farmers and water-user groups to work together and implement coordinated measures to minimise the impact of El Niño on agriculture and rural livelihoods.