Archive · 14 Nov 2025
Krishna Delta Farmers Advised to Plant Dry Crops Amid Water Shortage
Imagine you have a big water tank for your garden.
This year, even though it rained a lot, most of the water was used to help plants grow during the summer.
Now, there's not enough water left in the tank for the next growing season, which is called 'rabi'.
So, the grown-ups in charge are telling the farmers to grow plants that don't need as much water, like beans instead of rice.
This way, they can save the little water they have left for drinking and for the plants that will grow in the next summer season.
They are also making sure that some water from another nearby pond will be ready for drinking and summer plants when needed.
Farmers in the Krishna delta are advised to switch to dry crops for the rabi season due to water scarcity.
Nearly 222 tmc ft of water was supplied for the current kharif season, meeting its requirement of 208 tmc ft.
A total of 228 tmc ft is estimated to be required until May 2026, including drinking water needs.
Currently, only 118 tmc ft remains as Andhra Pradesh's share, plus about 40 tmc ft in Pulichintala, totaling 158 tmc ft.
Water from Pulichintala will be reserved for drinking and the next kharif season, with releases starting from June 2026.
- Who
- Farmers in the Krishna delta and Krishna Delta Systems chief engineer B. Rambabu
- What
- Farmers have been advised to cultivate dry crops due to an anticipated shortage of water for the upcoming rabi season.
- When
- Friday (statement issued), for the coming rabi season and up to May 2026
- Where
- Krishna delta region, Andhra Pradesh
- Why
- Insufficient water levels in the Krishna river to meet the full requirements for traditional cultivation during the rabi season, necessitating conservation for drinking water and the next kharif season.
Official Stance
Farmer Concerns
Water Availability for Rabi Season
Official Stance
Water levels in the Krishna river are insufficient for traditional wet crops during the rabi season, necessitating a shift to dry crops.
Farmer Concerns
Farmers are concerned about the implications of planting dry crops and the potential impact on their livelihoods and food production.
Water Allocation Strategy
Official Stance
Existing water reserves must be conserved for drinking needs and the subsequent kharif season, with Pulichintala water earmarked for these purposes.
Farmer Concerns
While officials plan to release water from Pulichintala for drinking and kharif, the immediate advice for rabi involves a change in cultivation practices, raising questions about long-term water management and support for farmers.
- Advisory Issued For
- Rabi Season Cultivation
- Reason for Advisory
- Anticipated shortage of water in the Krishna river
- Recommended Crop Type
- Dry crops (e.g., pulses)
- Water Supplied for Kharif
- 222 tmc ft
- Kharif Requirement
- 208 tmc ft
- Remaining Water Share for AP
- 118 tmc ft
- Water in Pulichintala
- Approx. 40 tmc ft
- Total Water Requirement until May 2026
- 228 tmc ft (including 20 tmc ft for drinking)