Agricultural activity has gathered pace across Chittoor, Annamayya, and Sri Sathya Sai districts with the start of Kharif 2026 amid an uneven southwest monsoon, coupled with growing agrarian concern over a possible El Nino-linked rain deficit.

Revenue officials, quoting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) report said that contrasting climatic conditions prevailed across the three districts as of June 23. Sri Sathya Sai district recorded 62.7 mm rainfall since June 1, against a normal 41 mm, indicating a surplus of 53%. Annamayya district received 34.2 mm against 42.1 mm, resulting in a deficit of 19%, while Chittoor recorded only 31.1 mm against 59 mm, which is 47% below normal.

However, the situation appeared more encouraging in the interior districts in the third week of June. Sri Sathya Sai received 30.4 mm, which is 125% above normal, and Annamayya recorded 28.5 mm, 56% above normal. In contrast, the tail-end Chittoor district received only 16.2 mm, which is 29% below its weekly normal.

Officials of the Agriculture department observed that the scattered showers had facilitated initial land preparation, but only sustained rainfall conditions could determine sowing decisions in the predominantly rain-fed lands.

Farmers in Sri Sathya Sai have began ploughing operations and seed treatment for groundnut, red gram, millets, and fodder crops. In Annamayya, farmers are preparing fields for groundnut, red gram, maize, and vegetables, while Chittoor farmers are cautiously planning rain-fed groundnut, pulses, and fodder cultivation alongside regular horticulture crops.

“Despite the much-feared El Nino effect, which is yet to be declared officially, we have proceeded with sowing operations as the first showers have softened the soil. However, we are still afraid of wasting the seed due to the threat of adverse climatic conditions,” said Markandeyulu, a groundnut farmer from Palamaner in Chittoor district.

In Sri Sathya Sai district, which records a seasonal rainfall deficit, farmers said they were watching forecasts closely and seeking advice from the Agriculture and Horticulture departments. “We are ready to tackle the short-duration crops if the rains are delayed, but water for longer periods and feed for livestock are our bigger concerns,” said a farmer in Gorantla.

A senior Agriculture department official in Puttaparthi admitted that forecasts had predicted a potentially weak monsoon under developing El Nino conditions. “National reports have suggested a possibility of below-normal monsoon rainfall. It could prompt the State government to update district contingency plans and advise farmers on crop choices, irrigation scheduling, and moisture conservation,” he said.

In Chittoor district, officials have already intensified seed availability, started promoting drought-tolerant and short-duration varieties, encouraged farm-pond recharge, and advised staggered sowing rather than immediate large-scale planting.