Drought and agricultural change: A case study of Anantapur district

Abstract:

Drought is one of the major environmental and agricultural challenges affecting rural livelihoods in semi-arid regions of India. Anantapur District in Andhra Pradesh is widely recognized as a drought-prone area due to its low rainfall, high temperature, poor soil moisture conditions, and frequent climatic variability. Agriculture is the primary occupation of the district, and a large proportion of the population depends directly on farming and allied activities for income and employment. However, repeated drought conditions have significantly influenced agricultural productivity, cropping patterns, land use practices, water availability, and the socio-economic conditions of farming communities. The present study examines the relationship between drought and agricultural change in Anantapur District with special emphasis on rainfall variability, groundwater depletion, crop diversification, changes in cultivation methods, and farmers’ adaptation strategies. The study highlights how prolonged drought has led to a decline in traditional crops and encouraged the adoption of drought-resistant crops, improved irrigation methods, and water conservation practices. Farmers have increasingly shifted from water-intensive crops to crops such as groundnut, millets, pulses, and horticultural plantations to reduce production risks and improve sustainability. The study also focuses on the impact of drought on agricultural income, employment opportunities, migration patterns, livestock resources, and rural development. Data for the study may be collected from primary and secondary sources including field surveys, interviews, government reports, agricultural records, journals, and research publications. Analytical methods such as percentage analysis, tabulation, and comparative analysis help in understanding agricultural transformations and the severity of drought conditions in the study area. The findings indicate that continuous drought conditions have altered agricultural systems and forced farmers to adopt adaptive measures for survival. Effective water resource management, sustainable agricultural practices, drought mitigation policies, watershed development programmes, and government support are essential to improve agricultural resilience and ensure long-term environmental and economic sustainability in Anantapur District.