Farmers urged to skip paddy amid water crisis

Vijayawada Collector Dr G Lakshmisha urged farmers to avoid paddy cultivation during the Kharif-2026 season following Super El Niño drought conditions. He chaired the fifth Irrigation Advisory Board meeting at the Collectorate on Thursday, reviewing water availability across the Krishna Eastern Delta. Official data indicates deficient rainfall has lowered storage levels in Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar reservoirs. Only 25 TMC remains utilisable in Pulichintala Reservoir to meet drinking water demands until June 2027.

Authorities plan to conserve remaining water for over 60 lakh residents across five districts. The government accorded top priority to safeguarding potable supplies while restricting Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Scheme operations to 20 of 24 pumps due to low Godavari inflows. Dr Lakshmisha unveiled an awareness poster encouraging enrolment under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Officials were directed to ensure comprehensive crop insurance coverage. Farmers were advised to cultivate dry alternatives in suitable areas to minimise financial losses associated with inadequate reservoir storage.