Andhra Pradesh declares early kharif 2026 drought in 388 mandals after 53.4% rainfall deficit
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Cropping patterns & irrigation· Prelims·
Climate variability and drought management: a GS3 case study on agricultural resilience and El Niño impacts.
Why in news
The Andhra Pradesh government declared an early kharif 2026 drought in 388 mandals due to a 53.4% rainfall deficit and El Niño conditions.
Background
The State Drought Committee assessed the declaration against the Government of India’s Manual for Drought Management, 2016. The state recorded 197.6 mm of rain against a normal 424.3 mm across 21 districts.
Facts for Prelims
- FactAndhra Pradesh recorded a 53.4% rainfall deficit for kharif 2026.
- PlaceThe drought declaration covers 388 mandals across 21 districts in Andhra Pradesh.
- FactActual rainfall recorded was 197.6 mm against a normal of 424.3 mm.
- BodyThe State Drought Committee is the body responsible for assessing drought proposals.
- FactThe assessment was conducted based on the Government of India’s Manual for Drought Management, 2016.
Prelims practice question
Which document serves as the basis for the State Drought Committee's assessment of drought declarations?
- (a)Climate Change Action Plan, 2020
- (b)Disaster Management Act, 2005
- (c)Manual for Drought Management, 2016
- (d)National Agriculture Policy, 2015
Show answer
Answer: (c) Manual for Drought Management, 2016 — The State Drought Committee assessed the declaration against the Government of India’s Manual for Drought Management, 2016.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the institutional and climatic factors contributing to recurring droughts in South India and evaluate the efficacy of the Manual for Drought Management, 2016.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Climate vulnerability: Impact of El Niño cycles on monsoon reliability in peninsular India
- Institutional response: Alignment of state-level drought declarations with central management manuals
- Agricultural risk: Impact of rainfall deficits on kharif crop yields and rural livelihoods
Keywords: El Niño · rainfall deficit · drought management · kharif season · State Drought Committee
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.