Rayalaseema heat wave hurts vegetable, horticultural crops

It is usually a bit cooler and rainy in August in a place called Rayalaseema, but this year it is very hot, like the middle of summer.

The daytime temperature is around 38°C, and this hot weather has lasted for about two weeks.

It has not rained enough, and scientists say a weather pattern called El Nino is the reason.

Because of the heat and lack of rain, the soil is dry, and plants do not have enough water.

Farmers are worried about their vegetable crops like tomatoes, okra, brinjal and cluster beans.

Many of these plants have not grown well and have produced fewer vegetables.

Some farmers, like one growing tomatoes in YSR Kadapa district, have lost most of their crop.

Even spraying medicines on plants has not helped because the heat itself is the problem.

The hot weather might continue for a few more weeks, which could make things harder for farmers.