Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has ordered officials to execute contingency plans against El Niño stress following a 50.7 percent rainfall deficit in the state. Speaking from Vijayawada, Naidu noted that the climatic pattern is impacting agriculture, livestock needs, and prices. The worst-hit districts include Prakasam, Annamayya, and Sri Sathya Sai, with the impact most visible on the ground in Kurnool, Nandyal, and Anantapur. Sowing has begun on roughly 79 percent of the planned kharif area against a target of 30.84 lakh hectares.
To manage the fallout, Naidu instructed officials to keep prices of rice, onion, palm oil, and red gram in check, release godown rice when needed, and encourage onion planting. The government has supplied 1.31 lakh quintals of seeds at an 80 percent subsidy and kept about Rs 60 crore ready for the kharif contingency plan. An additional Rs 190 crore has been earmarked to protect horticulture in high-risk pockets, while drinking water, fodder, and livestock support are also being prioritized.
Additionally, the administration promoted kitchen gardens through self-help groups alongside a push toward pulses, millets, rain-fed crops, and natural farming. Naidu also cited Handri-Neeva works, claiming Rs 3,500 crore was spent to push water into canals within 100 days and reach tail-end ayacut. Drought-mandal assessments are due by late September for possible October 1 declarations.