Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu seeks relief package for drought-hit farmers

The State has declared 412 mandals across 21 districts drought-affected and is expected to submit a report on crop losses to the Centre within a week. | Photo Credit: File Photo

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has sought a relief package for drought-hit farmers, which includes 200 days of employment under the VB-G RAM G scheme, ration cards for eligible affected families, rescheduling of agricultural loans and faster settlement of crop insurance claims.

Putting forth the demands before an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) that called on him on Wednesday, Mr. Naidu urged the Centre to extend comprehensive assistance to Andhra Pradesh, which was facing severe drought in several districts, even as coastal areas were grappling with the havoc wrought by two cyclones in quick succession.

The team had visited Kurnool, Nandyal, Anantapur and Sri Sathya Sai districts on November 2 and 3 to assess the drought situation. Mr. Naidu said deficient rainfall and prolonged dry spells severely affected kharif crops. Rayalaseema was facing shortages of irrigation water, drinking water and fodder, with Anantapur recording the second-lowest rainfall in the country.

The State had declared 412 mandals across 21 districts drought-affected and would submit a report on crop losses to the Centre within a week, he said.

Mr. Naidu wanted the minimum guaranteed employment under the VB-G RAM G scheme increased to 200 days and its scope extended to agricultural activities as well. This would help address labour shortages, particularly in natural farming, while generating additional rural employment, he reasoned.

The Chief Minister also sought ration cards for eligible drought-affected families, recalling that farmers owning 10 acres had been provided cards in Rayalaseema during an earlier drought. He also called for rescheduling of the agricultural loans to ease the repayment burden on the farmers.

Pointing to the sharp decline in groundwater levels, he sought expansion of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) to develop and interconnect rural water sources.

He urged the Centre to ensure speedy settlement of crop insurance claims and transfer compensation directly to the farmers’ bank accounts, in addition to the input subsidy being provided by the State.

He also stressed the need for adequate drinking water and fodder supplies, as the drought had affected livestock and rural livelihoods.

Members of the Central team said they would submit their report in 15 days, based on the field inspections, interactions with the farmers and information provided by the State government. The Centre would take further action on assistance after examining the report.

Mr. Naidu urged the team to take into account the simultaneous impact of drought in several districts and cyclone-related damage in coastal Andhra Pradesh while recommending assistance.

Published - November 04, 2026 07:30 pm IST