Andhra Pradesh declares early drought in 21 districts; opposition questions delay

The Andhra Pradesh government declared early drought for the 2026 Kharif season in 21 of the state's districts, covering 388 of 688 mandals — 283 of them classified as severely affected.

The declaration follows a 53.4% rainfall deficit between June and August, with the opposition YSRCP attacking the Chandrababu Naidu government's timing, claiming conditions were serious since early September.

The YSRCP has flagged dried-up borewells and stressed orchards in Rayalaseema, while Naidu is in Delhi seeking central drought relief.

For farmers staring at a failed Kharif, the declaration unlocks the machinery of relief — input subsidies, employment works and rescheduled crop loans.