2 hrs ago
Rayalaseema Drought Leaves Farm Machinery Idle, Owners Struggling
Drought-like conditions have reduced farming in parts of Rayalaseema.
About two lakh acres were reportedly not cultivated because there was not enough rain.
This means many farm workers cannot find jobs.
It also means large machines such as JCBs and harvesters are sitting unused.
Machine owners often have loans and must still pay for fuel, drivers, and repairs.
They say a machine needs about seven hours of work each day to earn enough money.
Many are getting only a few hours of work, or sometimes none.
Some owners have started selling their machines to avoid growing debts.
Nearly two lakh acres across four Rayalaseema districts reportedly remain uncultivated because of inadequate rainfall.
Reduced farm activity has left JCBs, earthmovers, and combine harvesters without sufficient work.
More than 1,000 JCBs are reportedly available at machinery stands in Kurnool city alone.
Owners say short working hours do not cover diesel, driver wages, maintenance, and loan repayments.
Combine harvester operators from Punjab also report sharply lower paddy-harvesting orders this year.
- Who
- Agricultural labourers, JCB and heavy-machinery owners, drivers, and combine harvester operators.
- What
- Drought-like conditions have sharply reduced cultivation and farm-related machinery work.
- Where
- Kurnool, Nandyal, Kadapa, and Annamayya districts in Rayalaseema; Punjab-based operators are also affected.
- When
- This year, after machinery owners reported stronger demand during previous years.
- Why
- Inadequate rainfall reduced cultivated acreage, especially paddy acreage, lowering demand for earthwork and harvesting.
Key facts
- Affected districts
- Kurnool, Nandyal, Kadapa, and Annamayya
- Uncultivated area
- Nearly two lakh acres
- JCBs in Kurnool city
- More than 1,000 at machinery stands
- Estimated JCBs across four districts
- Nearly 4,000
- Typical JCB rate
- Around ₹1,200 per hour
- Work needed to cover costs
- At least seven hours per day, according to owners
- New JCB cost
- Up to ₹60 lakh
Quotes
Sardar Singh Mohiya
Combine harvester operator from Punjab
“We had good business during the past three years. This year, the area under paddy has come down and harvesting orders have fallen sharply. The income is not sufficient even to meet the operating expenses”
deccanchronicle.com
“I have kept my JCB at the stand near Nandyal Check Post Circle in Kurnool. But I am not getting even three hours of work a day. We spend entire days waiting for a phone call”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
Related news
Gehlot Urges Rajasthan Government Action Amid Drought-Like Conditions
Power disruptions threaten paddy crops in Yadadri Bhongir
Low Tungabhadra Levels Deepen Water Crisis in Kurnool
TDP Accuses Jagan of Politicising Rayalaseema’s Severe Drought
Farmers stage noose protest demanding KC Canal water release
Water Scarcity Threatens 4,000 Acres of Sugarcane in Madurai
High Court Seeks Report On Punjab Dalit Man’s Death
Kerala Power Cuts Continue Amid Electricity Supply Shortage
Punjab Forms Seven-Member Panel on Guru Granth Sahib Act
BJP Plans To Contest All 117 Punjab Assembly Seats
