El Niño Effect: Government Warns Farmers

The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet held detailed discussions on the impact of El Niño and the worsening drought conditions across the state. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu advised farmers to plan cultivation based on water availability and encouraged them to shift from water-intensive paddy to alternative drought-resistant crops. The government stated that the state has recorded a 51% rainfall deficit, groundwater levels are declining, and water flow at the Polavaram project is significantly below normal, making efficient crop planning essential.

The government also urged farmers to avoid drilling new borewells to protect groundwater resources and ensure drinking water availability. Minister Parthasarathy said the state is working towards the Godavari–Cauvery river-linking project as a long-term solution to water scarcity. He also highlighted that the coalition government has provided greater financial assistance through welfare schemes compared to the previous administration, citing increased benefits under various programmes for farmers, women, and auto drivers.