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Agriculture
AP Urges Krishna Delta Farmers to Skip Paddy Cultivation Amid Water Shortage
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 24 Jul 2026, 03:07 PM
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The Andhra Pradesh government has advised farmers in the Krishna delta region not to plant paddy for the current Kharif season due to acute water scarcity.
The Andhra Pradesh government has issued a directive to farmers in the Krishna delta area not to cultivate paddy during the upcoming Kharif season, citing a severe shortage of water.
The decision follows reports of below‑average rainfall and reduced reservoir levels, which have limited irrigation supply across the delta. Agriculture officials have urged farmers to consider alternative crops that require less water.
The advisory is expected to affect thousands of smallholders who rely on paddy as a staple crop. Officials say the shift could help conserve water for critical uses, but may also impact farmers’ income.
The state’s agriculture department will monitor the situation and provide guidance on suitable alternative crops and potential financial assistance for affected farmers.
The decision follows reports of below‑average rainfall and reduced reservoir levels, which have limited irrigation supply across the delta. Agriculture officials have urged farmers to consider alternative crops that require less water.
The advisory is expected to affect thousands of smallholders who rely on paddy as a staple crop. Officials say the shift could help conserve water for critical uses, but may also impact farmers’ income.
The state’s agriculture department will monitor the situation and provide guidance on suitable alternative crops and potential financial assistance for affected farmers.