State officials order emergency measures for drought‑stricken farmers

Following the high‑level review, Andhra Pradesh’s disaster management hierarchy issued a set of emergency directives aimed at cushioning the impact of the prolonged dry spell on Rayalseema’s agrarian population. Minister Anitha Wanglapudi instructed district disaster officers to set up rapid‑response teams that will assist farmers in accessing alternative crop seeds, subsidised diesel for pump sets and credit facilities for short‑term loans.

A coordinated effort involving the agriculture department, rural development agencies and financial institutions will facilitate the distribution of drought‑relief kits, comprising seeds of millets, pulses and oilseeds that require less water. Simultaneously, the water resources department has been tasked with mapping groundwater levels and fast‑tracking the drilling of new borewells where feasible.

The minister also emphasized that essential services such as electricity and potable water must remain uninterrupted. Police, fire, NDRF and the newly formed AP SDRF units have been placed on standby to respond to any health emergencies or water‑borne disease outbreaks that could arise from the scarcity.