Dry spell leaves Chittoor farmers staring at crop loss

Farmers in the tail areas of Chittoor district are facing a deepening water crisis as a prolonged dry spell following deficit rainfall since March has left fields under moisture stress and wells under pressure, raising concerns about the kharif crop.

The district received only 3,033.4 mm of rainfall between June and August, against the normal 8,543.1 mm, resulting in a deficit of 64.5%. With the crucial kharif season coming to an end, farmers see little chance of a significant recovery.

June brought some relief with 1,476.4 mm of rainfall against the normal 2,228.3 mm, a deficit of 33.7%. However, rainfall fell sharply in July when the district received only 414.8 mm against the normal 2,863.2 mm, resulting in a deficit of 85.5%. The deficit stood at 66.9% in August, further dampening hopes for a healthy harvest season.

The situation is particularly serious in the western parts of the district. Gudupalle in Kuppam revenue division recorded the highest shortfall of 90.9%, followed by Irala at 87.4%, Thavanampalle at 86.1%, V. Kota at 84.6%, Bangarupalle at 82.2% and Kuppam at 82.1%. Yadamarri recorded a shortfall of 79.9%, while the shortfalls in Peddapanjani and Gangavaram were 78.8% and 78.3% respectively.

A long period of drought dealt a heavy blow to rain-fed cultivation. Farmers said showers in June encouraged them to sow kharif, but the absence of adequate rainfall in July and August left standing crops struggling for moisture, resulting in poor germination, stunted growth and desiccation of plants.

“Though we thought of re-sowing after the August rains, we had to drop the idea due to rising cost of cultivation,” said Hareesh, B.Sc. (Horticulture) student turned farmer from M. Kotur in Palamaner mandal.

“Inadequate rainfall has led to a sharp drop in groundwater levels. The threat of El Niño has forced many farmers to refrain from spending more on irrigation. As a result, farmers are reluctant to start digging new wells,” said a field officer in Kuppam division.

Deficit rainfall also results in poor inflows into reservoirs, ponds and streams and reduced groundwater recharge, increasing pressure on drinking water sources in villages. In Kuppam and Palamaner mandals, major dairy centres, farmers are particularly worried about drying up of pastures and shortage of fodder.

Published – 04 Sep 2026 19:24 IST