El Niño threat puts Kurnool Sona rice crop at risk

El Niño is a weather pattern that can make some places much drier than usual.

This year it has brought very little rain to a part of India called Andhra Pradesh.

Rice needs a lot of water to grow, so farmers there are worried.

The famous rice from this region is called Kurnool Sona, and people love it in many big cities.

Because there is not enough water, officials have asked farmers to grow other crops instead, like maize.

Only a tiny amount of rice has been planted so far this season.

If less rice is grown, buying it will cost much more.

People who work in rice mills may also lose their jobs.

Farmers are asking the government for help, like free seeds and money for those who switch crops.

The government also needs to keep water for people to drink, so everyone has to find a balance.