ANDHRA PRADESH DROUGHT
El Nino trigger: Rabi contingency plan drawn up for 225 districts amid rainfall deficit
The govt has developed a rabi contingency plan in response to the southwest monsoon's rainfall deficit. With concerns over soil moisture and reservoir levels, the plan targets 225 districts facing crop planning challenges. Recent rains have improved some reservoir levels, prompting a reassessment of the original strategies. Additionally, rising food prices and rice stocks have led to new regulatory measures across several states.
Tractor demand drying to likely 3-year low at arid farms
Tractor sales are projected to fall by up to 10% year-on-year, while vehicle dealers in some markets are also seeing sharp declines in sales of entry-level cars and two-wheelers. Tractor sales were up 8% to 610,000 units in the first half of the current year from a year-ago period, according to Tractor and Mechanisation Association. The pressure is also visible in entry-level motorcycles and cars, which have a large rural market.
Ranabaali Real Story: When nearly 1 crore died in the Great Madras famine in 1870s. Who were the real Ranabaali and Jayamma?
Is Ranabaali a real story? Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna's Ranabaali draws inspiration from the Great Madras Famine of 1876–78. Here's what history reveals about the famine and the real-life origins of Ranabaali, Jayamma and the film's British antagonist.
How India's agricultural damage flags gap between climate warnings and adaptation finance ahead of COP31
High temperatures continue to impact Indian agriculture, leading to decreased crop yields and poor germination rates. Farmers report significant losses in banana production and vegetable crops like okra and gourd. Experts warn about the increasing unpredictability of climate events affecting food security and farming practices. There is a call for greater climate adaptation finance and improved forecasting measures to address these challenges.
Insurers may face higher crop cover claims in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka
In Maharashtra, insurers' liability could be capped at Rs 1,540 crore before the state government takes over claims beyond that level. The state has declared drought-like conditions in 265 talukas, raising concerns over this year's losses.
Weak rains clouds recovery in Rs 3.3 lakh crore microfinance sector
India's microfinance sector, with a market worth ₹3.30 lakh crore, is encountering credit risk hurdles. Key factors include inconsistent rainfall and drought in critical states such as Karnataka and Maharashtra, which deeply influence the agricultural economy tied to rural borrowers. In response, some institutions are exercising caution by closely monitoring high-risk areas, yet the lack of loan protection further exacerbates the financial risks involved.
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Chandrababu Naidu meets PM Modi, seeks national water grid by interlinking rivers
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss drought issues, highlighting the significant impact of the El Nino effect on Andhra Pradesh's agriculture sector. Naidu proposed the creation of a national water grid through river interlinking across southern states.
Nandini milk price hike: Karnataka clears Rs 8 per litre hike, blue-packet toned milk may cost Rs 54; EC nod awaited
Nandini milk prices: The prices of Nandini Milk are expected to rise by Rs 8 per litre, pending Election Commission clearance. This hike will mark the fifth increase since November 2022 and aims to support milk producers facing challenges. The government plans to implement the new prices by November 1, contingent on approval. Of the increase, Rs 6 will benefit milk producers while Rs 2 will go to milk unions.
Andhra CM Naidu to meet PM Modi, Union Ministers in Delhi; seeks support for key projects, drought relief
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is planning a two-day visit to Delhi starting Wednesday afternoon. He will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various Union Ministers to discuss critical state projects. During these meetings, Naidu aims to seek financial assistance for drought relief efforts caused by El Nino. He is also expected to discuss the Visakhapatnam Metro Rail project and river-linking initiatives.
Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu calls for concerted effort to expand coffee cultivation in the state
Khandu said the State Government had introduced several interventions and schemes under agriculture and horticulture over the past five to six years, but coffee had not received a dedicated policy intervention so far.
Running water trains: Railways ready to transport water to drought-hit Maharashtra, but state must first find a water source
Central Railway is open to running special water trains to drought-hit districts of Maharashtra if the state government provides an adequate water source. The railway zone has not yet received a formal request. With 265 of Maharashtra’s 358 talukas declared drought-hit, officials said the scale of the current situation could make the operation more challenging than the 2016 Latur water train.
Foodgrain target for 2026-27 cut to 374 MT amid El Nino concerns
The Centre has also assured states of adequate availability of fertilisers, certified seeds and financial resources for the 2026-27 rabi season.
El Nino fears: Govt cuts foodgrain target by 2.63 MT
India has announced a reduced foodgrain production target of 373.93 million tonnes for the 2026-27 crop year. The decision comes amidst concerns over El Niño weather patterns impacting agricultural conditions across the country. Sowing operations for kharif crops have been completed, while rabi crop planting will start in October.
Maharashtra, Karnataka drought: Centre to assess ground situation; Shivraj to visit states
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed concern over the drought situation in Maharashtra and Karnataka, saying the Centre will send teams to assess the situation on the ground.
Smart rice policy would be nice
In the 2026-27 cycle, India's rice production is projected to fall by 6.5% compared to the previous year, largely due to monsoon rainfall being 15% below the seasonal average. This shortfall poses significant challenges for farmers, likely leading to financial hardship as both yields and cultivated areas decline. However, with high existing stockpiles, domestic markets may not face critical shortages.
El Niño effect: Kharif crops, winter sowing face stress as drought hits 53% of India
El Niño effect: El Niño has left more than 50% of India grappling with drought conditions, severely affecting kharif crops currently in the fields. Maharashtra has been particularly hard hit, with extreme drought affecting a large part of its agricultural areas. Other key agricultural states are also experiencing varying levels of drought, raising concerns about crop yields and soil moisture levels as winter sowing approaches.
Andhra farmer turns drought-hit land into 180-acre fruit farm. Grows apples, dates and dragon fruit; earns Rs 2 crore annually
Anantapur farmer Mekala Shiva Shankar Reddy transformed arid land into a thriving orchard. He adopted water-saving drip irrigation and fertigation techniques for his crops. Reddy diversified his farm to include dates, dragon fruit, and grapes, achieving significant success. Another farmer, K V Ramana Reddy, successfully cultivated low-chill apples in the region. These initiatives demonstrate innovative farming practices overcoming regional water scarcity challenges.
Govt mulls FDI liberalisation in plantation sector
India is considering liberalizing foreign direct investment norms for plantations. More commercial crops like bananas could be included under this policy. The government aims to boost exports of bananas significantly in coming years. This move seeks to enhance India's global market share in banana production. Stakeholder consultations are currently underway for this proposed policy change.
CEO CM to Water Man: Naidu's long journey enters a new phase
N Chandrababu Naidu is transforming his image by focusing on water projects. He recently inaugurated the Poola Subbaiah Veligonda Project after decades. The Polavaram Left Main Canal water release also marked a significant milestone. Naidu's government has set ambitious targets for irrigation projects by 2028. This strategic shift aims to solidify his legacy through water management.
Government sanctions Rs 7,214 cr to 6 states, 1 UT as relief for calamity damage
The Centre Tuesday approved the release of Rs 7,214 crore to six states and a Union Territory, including Rs 4,714 crore to Maharashtra, for floods, draught and cyclone damage.
Centre sanctions nearly Rs 4,100 crore disaster relief to 7 states
A sum of nearly Rs 4,100 crore was today sanctioned by the government as disaster relief to seven states, including poll-bound Tamil Nadu and Assam.
Rs 2,550 crore central grant to drought-hit UP, Andhra, Odisha
The Centre today approved grant of about Rs 2,550 crore to drought-affected states of Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
Decision on drought relief fund to Telangana next week: Radha Mohan Singh
Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said a central team has submitted a report after assessing drought situation in Telangana and a final call on release of the relief fund would be taken next week.
Eight states reeling under drought; 7 seek relief of Rs 24,000 crore
As many as eight states have reported occurrence of drought out of which seven have sought more than Rs 24,000 crore as financial assistance from the Centre under NDRF, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.
Andhra Pradesh declares 196 mandals as drought-hit
Majority of the mandals are in the Rayalaseema districts of Kurnool, Kadapa, Chittoor and Anantapur, while others are in the coastal districts.
EGoM okays about Rs 2,893 cr disaster relief fund for 7 states
The Centre has decided to release a relief package of more than Rs 2,892 crore for seven states, for tackling drought, and flood issues.
India likely to see a moderate drought this year
If there is a 20% deficit in this year's monsoon by July 31, it would be certain that India will have a drought.
Contingency measures in 7 states facing drought
In the past one week, the country has received 1% above normal monsoon but rain deficiency in these states continues to remain in the range of 60-70%.
Maharashtra to get Rs 575 crore aid for drought relief
The union government has approved a central assistance of Rs 575 crore to Maharashtra towards drought relief works.
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