Early Krishna Delta water release to help farmers escape cyclone threat

VIJAYAWADA: In a major relief to farmers of the Krishna delta region, the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to release irrigation water for Kharif cultivation in the eastern Krishna delta from June 1, 2026 nearly 15 days earlier than last year. Agriculture minister K Atchennaidu said the move is aimed at helping farmers complete cultivation and harvesting early, reducing the risk of crop losses during the cyclone-prone month of Nov.

Last year, water was released from the Prakasam Barrage on June 15. This year, however, the government has accelerated preparations to ensure timely water supply to lakhs of acres under the delta system. Officials have already begun canal maintenance works from May 2, 2026. The government plans to complete desilting, repair, and restoration works by the end of this month so that irrigation channels are ready for smooth water flow from June 1.

The minister stated that early water release would enable farmers to begin transplantation sooner and complete harvesting before heavy rains and cyclones usually strike coastal Andhra Pradesh during October and November. Farmers often suffer severe crop damage due to untimely cyclones, floods, and waterlogging during the late Kharif season.

According to officials, irrigation authorities have earmarked 18.22 TMC of water for agricultural needs in the Krishna delta during the Kharif season. An additional 4 TMC has been reserved for drinking water requirements. The Pulichintala Project currently has a live storage of 24.43 TMC. After meeting irrigation and drinking water needs, officials estimate that around 2.21 TMC of water will still remain available.

Meanwhile, irrigation water for the western Krishna delta is scheduled to be released from July 1, 2026 ensuring phased support for farmers across the region during the upcoming agricultural season.