Andhra Pradesh Faces 51% Rainfall Deficit Due to El Niño, Implements Mitigation Strategy

The Andhra Pradesh government has announced a comprehensive mitigation plan to address the adverse impacts of El Niño following a 51 percent rainfall deficit in the monsoon season.

As of August 25, the state recorded 193 mm of rainfall compared to the normal 393.7 mm. The deficit has affected the current kharif season, with the total area sown decreasing to 20.35 lakh hectares from 25.63 lakh hectares in the previous year, marking a drop of about 21 percent.

Data shows that the area dedicated to paddy cultivation fell from 11.79 lakh hectares to 10.37 lakh hectares. Conversely, the area for pulses saw an increase, growing from 2.16 lakh hectares to 2.66 lakh hectares.

A government official noted that the overall change in the sown area is primarily driven by a shift in cropping patterns in response to water availability rather than a general decline in cultivation. Out of the targeted 1.29 lakh hectares of paddy intended for diversion to other crops, 36,000 hectares, or 28 percent, has been achieved so far.

Andhra Pradesh is among the regions most heavily impacted by El Niño. While the national rainfall during the South West Monsoon from June 1 to August 25 was about 13 percent below normal, the state's shortfall was nearly four times higher. All 28 districts in the state recorded deficits, with 25 categorized in deficit and three in large-deficit categories.

State authorities began monitoring the situation in February after receiving indications of El Niño conditions. By March, an initial assessment was submitted, identifying 1,357 Rythu Seva Kendrams (RSKs) as high risk and 2,077 RSKs as moderate risk, which facilitated early and targeted preparedness.

Instead of a uniform approach, the government adopted a location-specific strategy based on ground realities. The mitigation framework rests on four key pillars: using water wisely where available, building resilience in water-limited areas, protecting allied sectors, and strengthening overall support. This framework is implemented through the farmer-wise, parcel-wise Rythanna Meekosam campaign and is monitored in real time.

"Environmental shifts such as El Niño present direct operational challenges to regional economies, particularly in agrarian states like Andhra Pradesh. The proactive identification of high-risk zones and the tactical shift in cropping patterns demonstrate the importance of data-driven preparedness and resource optimization in mitigating macroeconomic risks." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes