Archive · 30 Jul 2026
CPI Demands Drought Declaration, Relief for Andhra Farmers
The Communist Party of India (CPI) sent a letter to the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh asking that all 608 areas that have not received enough rain be declared as drought zones.
The state has only gotten 104 millimetres of rain, which is 56 percent less than normal, and 21 of 28 districts are in severe drought.
Farmers are losing crops like paddy, cotton, and tomatoes because the fields are drying up.
The CPI wants the government to give money to farmers, free seeds for dry‑crop farming, and a monthly pension for farmers over 50.
They also want a big amount of money to fix irrigation canals and help farmers with loans and food supplies.
CPI state secretary Gujjula Eswaraiah calls for declaring all 608 rain‑deficit mandals in Andhra Pradesh as drought‑hit.
Andhra Pradesh has received only 104 mm of rain, a 56 % shortfall, affecting 21 of 28 districts.
Agriculture suffers: only 16.35 lakh hectares cultivated, 34 % of paddy fields drying, major crops damaged.
Eswaraiah demands compensation, free seeds, insurance restoration, loan waivers, monthly pension, and Rs 10 lakh ex‑gratia for farmer suicides.
He also requests Rs 10 000 crore for irrigation canals, bank loan relief, MGNREGS revival, fodder supply, and safe drinking water.
- Who
- CPI state secretary Gujjula Eswaraiah
- What
- urged declaration of all rain‑deficit mandals as drought‑hit and emergency relief measures
- When
- Wednesday (date of letter)
- Where
- Andhra Pradesh, India
- Why
- farmers are suffering from El Niño‑induced drought
- State
- Andhra Pradesh
- Rainfall Received
- 104 mm
- Shortfall
- 56%
- Mandals Affected
- 608
- Districts in Drought
- 21 of 28
- Compensation Demanded
- Rs 10 lakh ex gratia for farmer suicides
- Monthly Pension
- Rs 10,000 for farmers above 50
- Irrigation Funds Requested
- Rs 10,000 crore