A study of natural disaster on agriculture: A case of drought prone areas in Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

India delivers a large population engaged in farming. A vast portion of thispopulation is in the fragile ecosystems of farming in dry soil, rain fed situations. Drought is oneof the major threats among natural hazards to people’s livelihoods and socioeconomic growth.Droughts have now become an internal part in the survival mode of the people in the country.19% of the total geographical area and 12% of the entire population is under drought proneconditions. Agricultural drought is more commonly by the lack of availability of water to supportcrop and forage growth than by the departure of normal precipitation over some limited periodof time. Scanty rainfall leads to drought, which touched on water levels and caused misery anddistress not only to small and marginal farmers but also to the big farmers. Andhra Pradesh isthe state spread over two geographical areas, namely Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema. TheRayalaseema Region consisting of four districts i.e. Chittoor, Kadapa, Anantapur and Kurnool.This under developed region has the doubtful distinction of standing from the twin problems ofdrought and poverty. Kadapa district is one of the drought affected districts in Rayalaseemaregion. The annual rainfall in the district is 747mm. During the final one year due to low rainfallin the district the agricultural sector faces so many troubles. Rainfall, Crop and Dry spell will beused as parameters for drought analysis. The rainfall being a major parameter for analyzingdrought and the data records of Kadapa district were obtained and studied. The data shows that38 of 51 mandals show that <750 mm (15%) of annual rainfall and remaining 13 models shows750-1000 mm rainfall. Normal reduction in crop yield was 50% and above. The attempt hasbeen constituted to evaluate the impact of drought on agriculture, economy in the study region.Usually it will lead to Agricultural drought.