Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu urges shift in crop strategies to adapt to El Nino conditions
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to modify crop cultivation strategies in response to the anticipated conditions arising from the El Niño weather pattern. The instruction was given during a review meeting on agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture sectors held at the Secretariat on Wednesday (17 June 2026).
Mr. Naidu asked officials to examine opportunities for crop diversification and guide farmers on growing agricultural, commercial and horticultural crops suited to the changing climate. He emphasised a shift towards natural farming on a larger scale, noting that farmers must adapt to growing global emphasis on certification of seeds and produce.
The Chief Minister specifically addressed challenges in cultivating crops such as chilli, tobacco and mangoes, particularly the Totapuri variety. He stressed the need to educate farmers on scientific cultivation methods and to help them overcome these issues.
Mr. Naidu also instructed the preparation of plans for growing pulses, citing high market demand, to benefit farmers. Additionally, he called for meetings with aqua farmers and feed manufacturers to resolve problems in the aquaculture sector.
The meeting was attended by Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu, Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad and other senior officials. The state government aims to mitigate the impact of El Niño, which is often associated with reduced rainfall and higher temperatures, by adopting proactive agricultural measures.
