Rayalaseema Temperatures Soar, El Nino Worsens Crop Stress

Kurnool:Rayalaseema has been experiencing unusually high temperatures for nearly two weeks, with daytime temperatures averaging around 38°C and conditions resembling a peak summer despite this being August.

The high temperatures coupled with inadequate rainfall have raised concern among farmers, particularly those growing vegetables and raising horticultural crops. Normally, temperatures in Rayalaseema during August and September remain below 35°C, with occasional showers providing significant relief.

The absence of adequate rainfall this year, attributed largely to the El Nino effect, has intensified the heat and humidity. While nights have turned relatively cooler, the lack of cloud cover and declining soil moisture are aggravating the impact of the high daytime temperatures.

“Soil moisture has declined drastically, and this is intensifying the impact of high temperatures. The absence of clouds due to the El Nino effect and the continuous depletion of moisture from the soil are affecting not only temperatures but also crop growth,” said K. Ashok Kumar, scientist at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS).

Farmers said vegetable crops had suffered due to the prolonged spell of high temperatures. Tomato, okra, brinjal and cluster bean crops have been particularly affected, with poor flowering, fruit setting and reduced yields reported in several areas.

G. Venkateswara Reddy, a farmer from K. Appayapalle village in Kamalapuram mandal of YSR Kadapa district, said he had cultivated tomato on an acre but suffered major losses.

“The high temperatures affected the crop badly and the plants failed to produce the expected yield. The crop has been severely damaged,” he said.

In Kurnool and Nandyal districts, farmers said horticultural crops spread over thousands of hectares were showing a decline in productivity. Falling water levels and increased demand for irrigation have added to the pressure.

P. Beerappa, a farmer from Gadivemula in Nandyal district, said his brinjal crop had suffered a sharp decline in yield despite repeated spraying of pesticides. “I sprayed medicines several times, but there was no improvement. Agriculture officials told us that the high temperatures were responsible for the poor crop performance,” he said.

Farmers said the higher temperatures were also increasing the water requirement of crops, putting additional pressure on depleted water resources.

Scientists said the unusual heat conditions could continue through August and possibly into September, depending on rainfall and prevailing weather conditions. The prolonged heat, inadequate rainfall and declining soil moisture are posing a threat to agriculture and horticulture across Rayalaseema.