Krishna district records 43.6% rainfall deficit as Andhra Pradesh agriculture faces a major water shortage
KRISHNA DISTRICT | August 25, 2026
KRISHNA DISTRICT: Farmers across Krishna district are facing increasing concerns over water availability and crop cultivation as the district continues to experience a significant rainfall deficit during the 2026 monsoon season.
According to the latest district-wise rainfall data from the Government of Andhra Pradesh Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Krishna district received 251.4 mm of rainfall against a normal 445.9 mm between June 1 and August 24, representing a 43.6% deficit. The State as a whole recorded a 51.2% deficit during the same period.
🌧️ Krishna Records 43.6% Rainfall Deficit
The latest official figures show:
| Particular | Krishna District |
|---|---|
| Actual rainfall | 251.4 mm |
| Normal rainfall | 445.9 mm |
| Deficit | 43.6% |
| Period | June 1 – August 24, 2026 |
| Status | 🔴 Deficient |
This means Krishna has received nearly 194.5 mm less rain than its normal rainfall for the period.
The district’s official planning office maintains rainfall and crop-condition information through its network of rain-gauge stations and regularly reports seasonal agricultural conditions to the State Government.
🌾 Impact on Kharif Agriculture
The rainfall shortage is creating uncertainty for farmers during the Kharif season, particularly those dependent on adequate water for paddy and other crops.
The wider Andhra Pradesh agricultural sector is also under severe pressure. A report published on August 24 said the State’s rainfall deficit had reached about 52%, with farmers seeking a special drought-relief package, including financial assistance and crop-insurance support.
The lack of consistent rainfall can affect:
- 🌾 Paddy cultivation
- 💧 Irrigation availability
- 🌱 Soil moisture
- 🌾 Kharif sowing and crop establishment
- 💰 Farm incomes
- 🚜 Input and cultivation decisions
💧 Krishna Delta Faces Water Concerns
The situation is especially important for the Krishna Delta, where agriculture depends heavily on irrigation from the Krishna basin.
Earlier, authorities advised Krishna Delta farmers to consider alternative irrigated-dry crops instead of paddy because of depleted reservoir storage and poor monsoon conditions. At that time, the Krishna Delta had a reported 49% rainfall shortfall, while available water was being prioritised for drinking-water requirements.
The water situation has now become an even bigger issue, with Andhra Pradesh pressing for 47 TMC of Krishna water at the Krishna River Management Board. The meeting was adjourned to September 4 without a final decision.
🌦️ Little Relief Expected From Current Weather System
A new low-pressure area has developed over the Bay of Bengal, but current forecasts indicate that it is unlikely to bring widespread heavy rainfall to Andhra Pradesh.
The IMD has forecast isolated thunderstorms and lightning over parts of Coastal Andhra Pradesh, along with strong surface winds at some locations. However, the broader rainfall deficit remains a concern for farmers.
🌱 Government Response and Farmer Concerns
The agricultural crisis has prompted calls for immediate support to affected farmers.
Farmer groups are demanding measures such as:
- Drought-relief assistance
- Crop-insurance compensation
- Support for farmers facing crop losses
- Better irrigation-water management
- Alternative crop planning
- Protection of drinking-water supplies