Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday called upon the state's farming community to rise above the disruptions posed by El Nino, the climate phenomenon known to suppress monsoon rainfall across the subcontinent. His appeal came on the occasion of Eruvaka Pournami, the traditional festival that marks the formal commencement of the new agricultural season in the state.

Chief Minister's Message to Farmers

In his address, Naidu invoked the spiritual significance of Jyeshtha Shuddha Pournami, on which farmers traditionally perform the Eruvaka ritual — worshipping the land and livestock and aligning themselves with the rhythms of nature. 'I pray that the homes of farmers be filled with the light of bountiful harvests. We, born on the soil that reveres nature, uphold those traditions. Let us nurture crops through natural farming, safeguarding our land and our health from toxicity,' Naidu said.

The Chief Minister affirmed that the coalition government would take proactive steps to bolster the agricultural sector. He noted that under the Annadatha Sukhibhava scheme, the government had already credited PM Kisan funds directly into farmers' accounts. 'I hope that farmers overcome the challenges arising due to El Nino and international conditions,' he added.

Agriculture Minister Offers Prayers, Assures Supply

Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu visited the Kanaka Durga temple in Vijayawada to offer special prayers for the prosperity and high yields of the farming community. He assured that fertilisers and seeds required for the Kharif season are available in ample quantities and that farmers need not be concerned about their availability.

Atchannaidu stated that all arrangements for Kharif cultivation have been completed and reiterated that farmer welfare remains the government's primary objective. He too called upon farmers to face the El Nino challenge with courage.

Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan Extends Wishes

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan also extended greetings to farmers on the occasion of Eruvaka Purnami, describing it as a festival that celebrates the bond between humanity and nature while honouring Mother Earth and livestock. 'I extend my best wishes to the entire farming community and pray to the Almighty for timely and abundant rains, so that farmers' households may overflow with bountiful harvests and prosperity,' he said.

Pawan Kalyan highlighted the coalition government's commitment to farmer welfare, pointing to the disbursement of the first instalment of PM Kisan-Annadatha Sukhibhava funds and ongoing plans for VB G-Ram G works aimed at benefiting the farming community.

El Nino Concern and the Road Ahead

El Nino years historically correlate with below-normal monsoon activity in India, raising the risk of reduced Kharif output. With Andhra Pradesh heavily dependent on agriculture — the sector supports a significant share of the state's rural population — the government's early outreach signals an attempt to manage expectations and prevent agrarian distress before the season intensifies. How effectively the Kharif crop weathers this season will be closely watched as a barometer of the state's rural economy.