El Niño threatens kharif sowing in Chittoor and Annamayya districts

The threat of El Niño is once again casting a shadow over rain-dependent Chittoor and Annamayya districts, forcing officials and farmers to brace for a potentially tough farming season.

Weather reports from central and state agencies have indicated a high probability of El Niño conditions continuing for the rest of 2026, raising fears of below-normal rainfall, prolonged dry spells and rising temperatures.

Agriculture Department officials said El Niño years are often associated with a delayed onset of the monsoon, uneven distribution of rainfall and extended dry spells. “Currently, the dry season in Chittoor district has already affected sowing and crop growth. We have high temperatures and we are experiencing increased evapotranspiration in agricultural areas, leading to moisture stress,” said a field officer.

Across the Rayalaseema region, which includes Chittoor, Annamayya, Sri Sathya Sai, Anantapur, Kurnool and Nandyal districts, the scenario is more or less the same, the official said.

The region has historically experienced recurrent drought due to its semi-arid climate and dependence on monsoon rainfall. Since 2014, the region has experienced several phases of deficit rainfall, leading to crop losses, depletion of groundwater supplies, and drinking water shortages.

Sowing of the predominant groundnut crop in Chittoor, Annamayya and Sri Sathya Sai districts should generally be completed in most mandals by July 15. However, due to concerns about El Niño conditions, a significant number of farmers chose not to cultivate during the Kharif season and instead worked on a limited area. “Every year, we prepare to grow paddy during Kharif on six acres of land. This year, we don’t want to exceed one acre, and that too just for our personal consumption,” said K. Mani, a farmer from Jangala Agraharam of Palamaner mandal.

Located at the end of the Eastern Ghats, Chittoor district is naturally vulnerable to rainfall fluctuations. It receives an average annual rainfall of around 850-900 mm, heavily dependent on the southwest and northeast monsoons. Erratic rainfall generally leads to a cascading impact on agriculture, groundwater recharge and drinking water availability in the region. Groundnut, paddy, sugarcane, tomatoes and other horticultural crops occupy the major part of the cultivated area during the Kharif period.

Published – 17 Jul 2026 20:37 IST