The return of Chandrababu Naidu as Chief Minister has brought misery to Andhra Pradesh’s farmers, with drought, broken promises, and economic distress pushing them to the brink. From unfulfilled financial aid to collapsing crop prices, the state’s agricultural sector is in crisis, with farmers bearing the brunt of government neglect and betrayal.

Drought devastates the state

Andhra Pradesh is reeling under severe drought, with rainfall deficits plaguing the Kharif season. From June 1 to July 31, 2025, the state recorded only 187.65 mm of rain against an expected 239.99 mm, a deficit of 21.81%. Districts like Sri Sathya Sai (-47.04%), Nellore (-40.73%), and YSR Kadapa (-33.96%) are the worst hit, while even “normal” rainfall areas like Srikakulam (-15.5%) and Anantapur (-16.88%) fall short of expectations. Rayalaseema faces acute famine, with six districts officially declared drought-affected, including 51 mandals, 37 of which are in severe distress.

Cultivation in crisis

Irrigated areas show some resilience due to water projects, but rain-fed regions are struggling. By July 30, cultivation in districts like Anakapalle (47%), Chittoor (19%), and Annamayya (23%) lags far behind normal levels. Major crops like paddy and cotton have maintained average sowing, but groundnut cultivation in Rayalaseema is abysmal, with only 22% of the targeted 4.97 lakh hectares sown. This shortfall threatens fodder availability, endangering small farmers’ livelihoods. The government’s failure to promote alternative crops worsens the crisis.

Broken promises and betrayal

Chandrababu’s government has reneged on its commitments to farmers. The Annadata Sukhibhava scheme, promising Rs.20,000 annually per farmer apart from PM Kisan, was not implemented in its first year, denying 53.58 lakh farmers Rs.10,716.53 crore in aid. The beneficiary count was slashed from 53.58 lakh to 46.85 lakh, excluding over 6 lakh farmers. Despite assurances of disbursal by June 20, payments remain pending, with a ceremonial launch now planned for August 2 in Prakasam.

The YSR Rythu Bharosa scheme, which supported farmers under the previous YSRCP government, was scrapped, and Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs) were rendered ineffective. Free crop insurance was discontinued, and farmers now queue for seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, reversing the YSRCP’s village-level supply system.

No Fair Prices for Crops

Farmers face crashing prices across crops, with no government intervention:

• Mango: Prices have plummeted from Rs.22–Rs.29 per kg under YSRCP to below Rs.2 per kg, forcing farmers to dump produce in protest.
• Grains: Delayed payments and losses of Rs.300–Rs.400 per sack, with half the produce rejected on moisture pretexts, have crippled farmers.
• Chili: Prices have dropped from Rs.27,000 per quintal to Rs.8,000–Rs.10,000, causing severe losses.
• Tobacco: Prices have fallen from Rs.366 per kg to below Rs.200, with farmers burning bales in protest.
• Cocoa: Promised Rs.550 per kg, but no price agreement was enforced.
• Aqua: Shrimp exports collapsed due to U.S. tariffs, with prices dropping from Rs.280 to Rs.200–Rs.220 per 100-count.
• Tomato: Farmers dump produce as 15-kg boxes fetch just Rs.50, failing to cover labor costs.

Destruction of YSRCP’s legacy

The YSRCP government had transformed agriculture, establishing 10,778 RBKs, providing Rs.34,288 crore to 53.58 lakh farmers under YSR Rythu Bharosa, and insuring 54.55 lakh farmers with Rs.7,802.5 crore in payouts. Free electricity, zero-interest loans, and timely subsidies were ensured, with Rs.1,84,567 crore spent over five years. Chandrababu’s coalition has dismantled these systems, leaving farmers without support.

Farmers driven to despair

The government’s apathy has made farming a burden. Seed and fertilizer shortages, lack of market prices, and mounting debts have driven farmers to suicide. Since June 12, 2024, over 250 farmers have taken their lives, with Kurnool (68), Anantapur (46), and YSR district (37) reporting the highest numbers. The government admits to only 104 suicides, downplaying the crisis, and has provided no compensation to affected families.