Rayalaseema Swelters Even As Cyclonic Rains Hit Coastal Districts
Continued dry weather could trigger drinking water shortages in rural villages.
Rayalaseema districts are continuing to reel under intense heat and humidity even as heavy rains lash East Godavari and north Andhra districts under the influence of a cyclone.
Kurnool, Nandyal, Kadapa, Anantapur, and Chittoor districts have recorded above-normal temperatures over the past two days, leaving farmers worried about crop losses.
Agricultural scientists at the Rekulakunta research station said temperatures of around 35 degrees Celsius have been recorded on Thursday in parts of Kurnool district, including Chippagiri and Dhone. The prolonged absence of rainfall in the region has hit rain-fed agriculture, with cotton crops drying up due to moisture stress.
M. Ramudu, a farmer from Pattikonda constituency, said he has cultivated cotton on five acres but is facing the prospect of heavy losses. “Even a little rainfall would have helped save my cotton crop. With no rain, the plants are drying up. I am worried about losing my investment,” he said.
Apart from cotton, red gram and onion crops are facing severe moisture stress. Farmers are also concerned about declining groundwater levels, as borewells are drying up in several areas. Continued dry weather could trigger drinking water shortages in rural villages.
The heat has increased electricity consumption in urban areas, with residents relying heavily on air-conditioners and coolers. Some areas are reportedly experiencing power cuts amid increased demand.
N. Vara Prasad, a retired government employee from Kurnool, said heat and humidity are making nights uncomfortable. “Humidity rises after 7 p.m., making it difficult to sleep without an air-conditioner. I cannot remember experiencing such intense heat at the end of October,” he said.
Farmers across Rayalaseema are hoping for rainfall to save their standing crops and for relief from continuing heat.