Article 1: Drought report
Why in news: Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are facing severe drought conditions after deficient monsoon rainfall, raising concerns over crop losses, drinking water availability, farmer distress and the need for timely government assistance.
Key Details
- Rainfall deficit: Karnataka recorded nearly 35% less rainfall, while Andhra Pradesh faced a 53% shortfall during June–August, affecting agriculture and water availability.
- Agricultural losses: Karnataka declared 217 of 240 taluks drought-hit, while Andhra Pradesh identified 388 of 688 mandals as drought-affected, threatening crops and horticulture.
- Relief measures: Karnataka sought ₹11,000 crore in central assistance, while Andhra Pradesh allocated ₹190 crore to protect horticultural crops and conserve drinking water.
- Drought assessment: The Drought Management Manual uses rainfall, agricultural conditions, hydrological indicators and field assessments to guide drought declarations and eligibility for relief under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
- Long-term resilience: Governments should promote micro-irrigation, drought-resistant crops, groundwater conservation, wider crop insurance and timely financial support to reduce vulnerability to future rainfall shortages.
Causes and Extent of Drought
- Southwest Monsoon Deficiency: Karnataka reportedly recorded a rainfall deficit of nearly 35%, while Andhra Pradesh experienced a 53% shortfall during June–August.
- Affected Regions: Karnataka declared 217 of 240 taluks drought-hit, while Andhra Pradesh declared 388 of 688 mandals drought-hit.
- Crop Losses: Red gram, maize, cotton and sugarcane crops in Karnataka have suffered damage.
- Horticulture at Risk: Nearly 18,000 hectares of horticultural crops in Andhra Pradesh face risks.
- Climate Factors: A strengthening El Niño may influence rainfall patterns, but its specific contribution to this drought requires further study.
Drought Assessment and Relief Mechanism
- National Drought Framework: India assesses drought using agricultural and hydrological indicators, along with ground-level verification.
- Drought Manual: The Manual for Drought Management (2009) and subsequent updates have made drought declarations more systematic.
- NDRF Assistance: States can seek additional support from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) after the prescribed assessment process.
- Centre–State Coordination: Karnataka has sought around ₹11,000 crore in central assistance and higher input subsidies.
- Timely Relief: The Centre should release eligible assistance after the findings of the Inter-Ministerial Central Team are publicly verified.
Impact of Drought
- Agricultural Losses: Crop damage reduces farm output and threatens farmers’ incomes.
- Rural Indebtedness: Lower earnings may force farmers to borrow money to meet household and cultivation expenses.
- Water Scarcity: Drought increases pressure on drinking water supplies and groundwater reserves.
- Livelihood Risks: Agricultural labourers and small farmers may face reduced employment and income.
- Food Security: Repeated droughts can affect food availability, prices and rural economic stability.
Challenges in Drought Management
- Delayed Assistance: Delays in central relief can worsen the financial distress of affected farmers.
- Unequal Access to Relief: Support linked mainly to land ownership may exclude tenant farmers and agricultural labourers.
- Poor Water Management: Excessive groundwater extraction and inefficient irrigation increase drought vulnerability.
- Unsuitable Cropping Patterns: Water-intensive crops in water-stressed areas can worsen scarcity.
- Climate Change: The IPCC has warned of growing climate-related risks in South Asia, making long-term drought resilience essential.
Way Forward
- Timely Relief: Ensure transparent assessment and prompt release of eligible disaster assistance.
- Water Conservation: Promote rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and efficient water use.
- Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Encourage micro-irrigation and crops suited to local rainfall and groundwater availability.
- Inclusive Support: Expand agricultural insurance and relief for tenant farmers and other vulnerable groups.
- Long-Term Resilience: Provide incentives for drought preparedness and sustainable farming instead of relying only on emergency relief or large river-linking projects.
Conclusion
Drought management must combine timely relief with long-term resilience. Governments should release eligible assistance promptly, protect farmers from excessive debt and extend support to vulnerable agricultural households. At the same time, water-efficient irrigation, suitable crop choices, groundwater regulation and wider insurance coverage are essential. Climate-resilient agriculture requires coordinated action by the Centre and States, supported by scientific planning and sustainable water use.
Descriptive question:
Recurrent droughts highlight the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to monsoon variability and climate change. Discuss the limitations of India’s drought-management approach and suggest measures to strengthen agricultural resilience and water security. (!50 words, 10 marks)