The light to moderate rain, which lashed parts of Chittoor and Annamayya districts till Wednesday evening, has evoked mixed feelings among the farmers, with it being a relief for some and concern for others amid key agricultural activity.
In Chittoor district, which recorded 10.67 mm during the last 24 hours with showers continuing till evening, the rain has been beneficial for mango orchards and rabi groundnut sowing, officials said.
Chittoor, Puthalapattu, Gangadhara Nellore, Palamaner and Kuppam, the major mango and groundnut belts, reported light spells. The moisture is ideal for the first wetting of mango flowering and for groundnut seed germination. However, farmers who have kept harvested paddy in open threshing yards in Nagari and Sathyavedu have been advised to cover the produce immediately, as even a small night rain can damage grain quality.
In Annamayya district, showers were reported from Rayachoti, Madanapalle, Penagaluru, Tamballapalle, Piler and Obulavaripalle. The rain coincided with paddy harvest and tomato and banana cultivation. Madanapalle, the State’s tomato hub, benefitted from the overcast conditions as it reduced heat stress during the last 48 hours, though prolonged leaf wetness may trigger early blight if stagnant water is allowed to persist, officials said.
In Rayachoti and Chinnamandem, where second crop paddy nurseries are being prepared, farmers welcomed the humid conditions and light showers, claiming they would reduce irrigation cost. Agriculture officials advised farmers not to spray or apply fertilizer for the next two days and to ensure proper drainage in low-lying paddy fields.
Published - October 21, 2026 07:52 pm IST