Archive · 24 Jul 2026
Andhra Pradesh CM urges farmers to shift from paddy due to El Nino threat
In Andhra Pradesh, the Chief Minister is asking farmers to stop growing paddy, a water-needing crop, because there might not be enough rain due to something called El Nino.
The government wants farmers to grow different crops that need less water.
They are also telling people not to dig new wells to save water.
The government is preparing special seed kits to help farmers grow these new crops.
They are also talking about a big project to connect rivers to have more water in the future.
Andhra Pradesh is facing a 51 percent rainfall deficit and intensifying El Nino.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu urges farmers to shift from paddy to alternative crops.
Government is preparing seed kits for alternative and post-monsoon dry-land crops.
Farmers advised against drilling new borewells to prevent groundwater depletion.
Government is promoting dry crops to ensure adequate cattle fodder.
- Who
- Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and the Andhra Pradesh government
- What
- Urging farmers to shift from paddy to alternative crops due to El Nino and water shortage
- When
- During the Kharif season, with El Nino expected to intensify in the second half of the monsoon
- Where
- Andhra Pradesh, India
- Why
- To mitigate the impact of El Nino, water shortage, and protect farmers from crop losses
Government's Perspective
Farmers' Perspective
Crop Diversification
Government's Perspective
The government is urging farmers to shift from water-intensive paddy to alternative crops to mitigate the impact of El Nino and water shortage.
Farmers' Perspective
Farmers may resist changing their traditional cropping patterns due to familiarity with paddy cultivation and potential economic risks.
Water Management
Government's Perspective
The government is prioritizing drinking water and advising against new borewells to prevent groundwater depletion.
Farmers' Perspective
Farmers might feel the need to drill borewells to secure water for their crops, especially if they continue with paddy cultivation.
- Rainfall Deficit
- 51 percent
- El Nino Intensification
- Expected during the second half of the monsoon season
- Godavari River Inflow
- 35,000-38,000 cusecs (normal is 90,000-1 lakh cusecs)
- Paddy Transplantation
- 50 percent to 70 percent completed in Krishna and Godavari regions
- Alternative Crops
- Seed kits with 15 kilograms of seeds for dry-land crops being prepared