Farmers are ramping up for Kharif 2026 in Chittoor, Annamayya,and Sri Sathya Sai districts. Concerns linger over possible rain deficit tied to El Nino. As of June 23, India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported mixed rainfall patterns,raising alarms among farmers,officials.
Sri Sathya Sai district saw a rainfall surplus, logging 62.7 mm since June 1,53% above normal 41 mm. Meanwhile, Annamayya and Chittoor are dry,with Annamayya getting only 34.2 mm against normal 42.1 mm, and Chittoor at 31.1 mm,well below its normal 59 mm.
But things looked up in interior districts in third week of June. Sri Sathya Sai got 30.4 mm,125% above normal,Annamayya recorded 28.5 mm, 56% above normal. Chittoor still lagged, only 16.2 mm, 29% below weekly average .
Agriculture officials noted scattered showers helped initial land prep,but crop sowing depends on sustained rain. Farmers in Sri Sathya Sai started ploughing, treating seeds for groundnut, red gram. Annamayya fields prepped for groundnut, maize,vegetables. Chittoor farmers plan cautiously for rain-fed groundnut,pulses.
“Despite feared El Nino effect,yet to be declared officially, we’ve started sowing as first showers softened soil . Still fear wasting seed due to adverse climate,” said Markandeyulu, a groundnut farmer from Palamaner, Chittoor.
Farmers in Sri Sathya Sai, used to rain deficits,are closely watching forecasts, consulting Agriculture,Horticulture departments. One farmer from Gorantla ready to switch to short-duration crops if rains delay, but worried about water for livestock feed.
A senior Agriculture official in Puttaparthi acknowledged weak monsoon forecasts due to El Nino. “National reports suggest below-normal monsoon rainfall. State might update district plans, advise on crops,irrigation,moisture conservation,” he stated.
In Chittoor,officials already boosting seed availability, promoting drought-tolerant varieties,advising staggered sowing over large-scale planting . Uncertainty over monsoon season still looms…
