Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh Face Severe Drought Conditions
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are experiencing significant drought conditions following a deficient southwest monsoon. Karnataka reported a 35% rainfall deficit from June to September, leading to 217 of 240 taluks being declared drought-hit. In Andhra Pradesh, a 53% shortfall from June to August has resulted in 388 of 688 mandals facing drought. The agricultural impact includes damage to crops such as red gram, maize, cotton, and sugarcane. Karnataka has requested ₹11,000 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), while Andhra Pradesh allocated ₹190 crore for horticultural crop protection. Both states are promoting water conservation and micro-irrigation practices amid warnings of worsening drought conditions linked to climate change.
Published 22 hours ago • 13 Oct 2026, 08:19 AM IST