El Niño has triggered a severe shortage of irrigation water in the Dharmavaram division of Sri Sathya Sai district, threatening sweet‑lime orchards and other horticultural crops that farmers have invested heavily in. The loss of water at critical growth stages could damage crops that have been nurtured for years, making protection of long‑duration orchards a priority in the arid belt.
Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav stepped in to address the crisis. He met with District Collector Shyam Prasad to discuss immediate alternatives to safeguard the standing gardens. The minister highlighted the urgency of the situation for farmers who rely on these orchards for their livelihoods.
The Collector replied that water tankers could be arranged to supply the orchards, and the administration would reimburse ₹980 per tanker. Eligibility, verification and payment procedures will be finalized in coordination with horticulture officials, with formal notices expected within two to three days.
Officials said the initiative would provide immediate relief to horticulture farmers, allowing the orchards to survive amid the current distress conditions. The Collector added that district‑level coordination with the horticulture department would be intensified to ensure quick implementation of the tanker supply.
