Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Andhra Pradesh Plans Water Support Amid Rainfall Deficit
Andhra Pradesh has received much less rain than usual.
The Chief Minister is worried that people may not have enough drinking water.
He also wants farmers to have enough water to grow crops.
Officials will provide special seeds for crops that need less water.
The government will give farmers 90 crore in seed subsidies.
Farmers will be encouraged to grow alternatives to paddy, which uses a lot of water.
The state also plans to improve fodder supplies and protect fruit and other horticultural crops.
Officials may dig borewells, use tankers, and ask the Centre for more drought support.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to secure drinking water and irrigation supplies amid a 52 per cent rainfall deficit.
The government will prepare 90,000 kg of irrigated dry-crop seeds and provide 90 crore in seed subsidies.
Officials were told to encourage alternative, less water-intensive crops instead of paddy and promote drip irrigation.
Plans include addressing fodder shortages, protecting horticulture crops, and filling tanks with diverted canal water.
Andhra Pradesh will prepare habitation-wise drinking-water proposals, including borewells and tanker supplies, and seek additional drought funds from the Centre.
- Who
- Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed state ministers and officials to act.
- What
- The state will plan drinking-water and irrigation support, distribute dry-crop seeds, promote water-saving farming, and address fodder shortages.
- When
- The directives were issued at a Cabinet meeting on Thursday.
- Where
- Andhra Pradesh, with the Cabinet meeting held in Vijayawada.
- Why
- The measures are intended to respond to the El Nino effect and a 52 per cent rainfall deficit.
- Rainfall deficit
- 52 per cent
- Seed preparation
- 90,000 kg of irrigated dry-crop seeds
- Seed subsidy
- 90 crore approved
- Drinking-water coverage
- Plans are to be prepared for all 14,829 habitations in Andhra Pradesh.
- Water sources
- Officials may dig borewells and supply water through tankers.
- Farm measures
- The state will promote alternative crops, drip irrigation, tank filling, and water-saving cultivation.
- External support
- The state will seek additional drought funds and support from the Centre.