Centre Urged to Release Drought Aid as Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh Face Severe Monsoon Shortfall

UPDATE - follow-up to Drought report: On southwest monsoon, drought in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh: The Centre must assist States once the inter-ministerial team finishes its findings following severe monsoon deficits in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Karnataka suffered a close to 35 percent rainfall deficit between June and September, leading the government to declare 217 of 240 taluks as drought-hit. Crops like red gram, maize, cotton, and sugarcane have faced extensive damage in the State. Karnataka has asked the Centre for 11,000 crore rupees from the National Disaster Response Fund alongside higher input subsidies. Andhra Pradesh recorded a shortfall of 53 percent from June to August, leaving 388 of 688 mandals declared drought-hit with horticulture crops over nearly 18,000 hectares at risk. Andhra Pradesh has set aside 190 crore rupees to protect these crops and directed drinking water conservation. This year's summer monsoon showed its poorest performance since 2015, alongside warnings about a strengthening El Niño.

Context

These challenges highlight the growing pressure on agricultural water management in South Asia under changing climate patterns. The National Disaster Response Fund provides financial assistance to States during major disasters when state resources fall short. Both affected States have encouraged micro-irrigation and less water-intensive crops to cope with dry conditions.