ANDHRA PRADESH: The Andhra Pradesh government has declared drought in 388 mandals across 21 districts for the 2026 Kharif season, following a severe rainfall shortage. The 388 mandals are out of the state’s 688.
According to the government order, the state received an average of 197.6 mm of rain between June 1 and August 31, against a normal of 424.3 mm. That is a deficit of about 53.4 per cent.
Reports said 283 of the mandals face severe drought and 105 moderate drought, with Rayalaseema and South Andhra hit hardest and major losses to paddy, maize and coconut.
A high-level committee meeting on September 30 recommended the declaration, ahead of the October 31 deadline normally associated with Kharif assessment. The government cited prevailing El Niño conditions and acted under the Centre’s Manual for Drought Management, 2016.
The Opposition has questioned the timing. It also wants more areas, especially Nellore, included, arguing the crisis is bigger than reported. The declaration comes as the state seeks financial support from the Centre.