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Time of India
7 days ago
- Climate
- Time of India
25% rainfall deficit stalls kharif sowing across AP
1 2 3 Visakhapatnam: Due to a persistent rainfall deficit—nearly 25% across several districts—Kharif sowing in Andhra Pradesh has commenced slowly. As of July 9, sowing has been completed in about 5 lakh hectares, against the expected 6.34 lakh hectares for this period. This represents just 16% of the season's target area and only 80% of the area typically sown by this date. The early onset of the southwest monsoon initially brought favourable conditions, prompting farmers to prepare paddy nurseries and begin seeding. However, subsequent delays and uneven rainfall distribution have stalled sowing momentum. Farmers are now awaiting a sustained spell of rainfall to proceed with transplanting and further sowing activities. A s of mid-July, crop-wise sowing coverage across Andhra Pradesh remains significantly below season-normal levels. Most crops have achieved less than 25% of their expected area, with the exception of bajra, maize, cotton, and sesamum. Bajra, maize, and cotton have shown moderate progress, falling within the 26%-50% coverage range. Sesamum has performed comparatively better, reaching 76% of its normal area. Out of the 26 districts, 23 have achieved less than 25% of their season-normal sowing area, reflecting widespread delays. NTR and Kurnool districts fall within the 26%-50% range, while Tirupati has reached 80% of its target—benefiting from reservoir releases and early monsoon showers. SPSR Nellore is the only district to exceed 100% coverage, supported by timely rains and robust agricultural extension services. As of the first week of July, the state had received 100.7 mm of rainfall against a normal of 134.2 mm—a deficit of over 25%. Palnadu, SPSR Nellore, YSR Kadapa, and Annamayya districts have recorded rainfall deficits exceeding 60%, while Srikakulam, Konaseema, Guntur, Bapatla, Prakasam, Anantapur, Sri Satya Sai, Chittoor, Tirupati, and Nandyal districts have each recorded deficits of at least 20%. According to agricultural officials, seed distribution is currently in progress. Paddy nursery sowings are ongoing. Early sown paddy is at stages ranging from transplanting to tillering and panicle initiation. Maize, red gram, and other pulses are at the sowing stage, while early sown groundnut, cotton, and sugarcane are in the vegetative stage. When TOI recently visited farmlands in various districts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema, it was evident that farmers tilled their lands and, in some areas, already sown seeds in anticipation of rainfall. However, if the dry conditions persist over the next few weeks, these young plants and paddy nurseries are at risk of withering. When asked about farmers waiting for a spell of rain, S Karunasagar, a scientist at IMD Amaravati, said that parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and the Rayalaseema region are likely to receive rainfall from July 18 onwards due to a trough over the Bay of Bengal. He added that isolated areas in coastal Andhra Pradesh may experience heavy rainfall between July 18 and 20.
New Indian Express
15-05-2025
- Climate
- New Indian Express
Amid heatwave conditions, IMD predicts early onset of Southwest Monsoon in Andhra Pradesh
VISAKHAPATNAM: Favourable atmospheric conditions are developing for the further advance of the southwest monsoon over parts of the South Arabian Sea, Maldives, Kanyakumari as well as additional regions of the south and central Bay of Bengal, according to the latest update from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This indicates the likelihood of an early onset of the southwest monsoon in Andhra Pradesh, possibly four to five days ahead of the usual date of June 4. However, officials clarified that the monsoon's arrival in Andhra Pradesh can only be confirmed after it sets in over Kerala. Typically, the monsoon reaches Kerala around June 1, with a standard deviation of seven days. This year, the IMD forecasts it may arrive as early as May 27. The official onset of the monsoon over the Indian mainland is marked by its arrival in Kerala. 'We are expecting an early onset over Kerala around May 27, with a model margin of plus or minus four days. Based on this, an early onset over Andhra Pradesh is also likely, provided there are no interruptions such as cyclonic circulations or other synoptic developments. We will have a clear confirmation in our upcoming extended range forecast, which will be issued by May 16,' Dr Sagili Karuna Sagar, Scientist at IMD Amaravati, told TNIE. According to the Long Range Forecast (LRF) issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in April, Andhra Pradesh is expected to receive above-normal cumulative rainfall during the upcoming southwest monsoon season. Last year, the monsoon arrived in state on June 2, two days ahead of the normal onset date. The state received a total of 629.2 mm of rainfall, significantly higher than the seasonal average of 521.6 mm. The AP State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has forecast varying weather conditions across the state over the next two days.
