YSRCP accuses the government of neglecting agriculture amid deficit rainfall

The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) on Sunday accused the Andhra Pradesh government of neglecting the agriculture sector, alleging poor water management and inadequate support to farmers affected by insufficient rainfall during the ongoing kharif season.

Addressing the media at the party’s headquarters in Tadepalli, YSRCP general secretary MVS Nagi Reddy said that except Nellore district, most parts of the state witnessed significant rainfall deficit resulting in decline in cultivated area.

He alleged that the government has failed to ensure efficient water management for major kharif crops such as paddy and groundnut. Farmers in Rayalaseema, he said, were facing several difficulties starting with procurement and distribution of groundnut seeds.

Referring to the Konaseema region, Mr. Nagi Reddy argued that though sufficient water was available in the Godavari river, poor irrigation management prevented it from reaching the canals. Farmers in the Krishna, Godavari and Penna delta regions, as well as those growing rain-fed crops like cotton and groundnut in districts including NTR, Palnadu and Kurnool, faced severe hardship due to insufficient rainfall and what he described as poor government response. He also questioned the State Irrigation Minister’s claims about water availability.

Mr. Nagi Reddy claimed that no such situation had arisen during the previous YSRCP government and accused the NDA government of continuing to blame the previous administration despite being in office for two years.

He further alleged that the procurement system has deteriorated, leaving farmers in dire straits, and urged the government to clear all outstanding dues and provide immediate relief to those affected by the lack of rainfall and what he described as official apathy.

Published – 19 Jul 2026 20:19 IST