The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) on Sunday accused the Andhra Pradesh government of neglecting the agriculture sector, alleging poor water management and inadequate support to farmers affected by deficient rainfall during the ongoing kharif season.Addressing the media at the party’s central office in Tadepalli, YSRCP general secretary M.V.S. Nagi Reddy said that, barring Nellore district, most parts of the State were witnessing a significant rainfall deficit, resulting in a decline in the area under cultivation.He alleged that the government had failed to ensure effective water management for major kharif crops such as paddy and groundnut. Farmers in Rayalaseema, he said, had faced several difficulties beginning with the procurement and distribution of groundnut seed.Referring to the Konaseema region, Mr. Nagi Reddy claimed that although adequate water was available in the Godavari river, poor irrigation management had prevented it from reaching canals. Farmers in the Krishna, Godavari and Penna delta regions, as well as those cultivating rain-fed crops such as cotton and groundnut in districts including NTR, Palnadu and Kurnool, were facing severe hardship owing to inadequate rainfall and what he described as the government’s poor response. He also questioned the State Irrigation Minister’s claims on water availability.Claiming that no such situation had arisen during the previous YSRCP government, Mr. Nagi Reddy accused the NDA government of continuing to blame the previous administration despite being in office for two years.He further alleged that the procurement system had deteriorated, leaving farmers in distress, and urged the government to clear all pending dues and extend immediate assistance to those affected by deficient rainfall and what he described as official apathy. Published - July 19, 2026 08:19 pm IST