Weather stress hits Chittoor vegetable belt, lowering quality and yield

A drought-stressed vegetable garden at V. Kota near Palamaner in Chittoor district.

Vegetable farmers in Chittoor district are facing unforeseen losses due to the weather fluctuations that are affecting the crop growth and quality, with the Kuppam and Palamaner regions reporting difficulty meeting inter-state market requirements.

Chittoor has received two spells of cyclone-related rainfall, but the showers have not translated into uniform relief for the vegetable farmers. The region received 445.7 mm against its normal 677 mm between June 1 and November 10, 2026, registering a 34.2% deficit, according to the district Agriculture Department data.

The deficit has added to the difficulties faced by farmers dependent on borewells and limited irrigation, while long dry spells and fluctuating temperatures have created unfavourable conditions for vegetable cultivation. Inadequate soil moisture has affected flowering, fruit set, and size, while excessive moisture has weakened roots and encouraged fungal diseases.

The impact is felt more in the Kuppam and Palamaner divisions, the prime cultivation and supply centres for neighbouring Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. “Beans, brinjal, cabbage, gourds, and other commercial vegetables have shown signs of stunted growth and poor appearance. Traders and consumers are raising complaints of reduced shelf life,” said Pasupuleti Ganesh (38) of Shantipuram mandal in Kuppam assembly constituency.

“As we supply for inter-state markets, quality is as important as quantity. Our consignments reach Bengaluru, Chennai, and other wholesale centres. Traders insist on uniform size, freshness, and transport durability. Our harvest under these weather stress conditions is often downgraded, resulting in lower realisations,” said another farmer, Somu, in Kuppam.

Agriculture and horticulture officials in the district stated that they have been conducting mandal-wise surveys covering standing crops, yield reduction, and quality deterioration. “In view of the present El Niño conditions, we appeal to farmers to also seek timely advice on water availability, disease management, and irrigation scheduling,” said a field officer.

Meanwhile, vegetable prices are steadily scaling up with a slump in production across Chittoor, impacting prices further in Chennai and Bengaluru.