Sri Sathya Sai district launches subsidy scheme to save orchards from drought

Facing acute water scarcity, Sri Sathya Sai district has introduced an irrigation assistance initiative targeting farmers whose borewells have dried up, leaving their orchards at risk. Under the programme, the government will absorb 80% of the expense for water procurement, significantly reducing the financial burden on cultivators already struggling with drought conditions.

The scheme encompasses supplementary tanker supply arrangements to ensure continuity of irrigation for critical cash crops in the region. Sweet lime, mango and arecanut plantations—significant sources of income for local farming communities—have been prioritized under the intervention.

Districtadministration officials indicated that the support measure aims to prevent widespread crop losses and protect the livelihoods of orchardists across the drought-affected area. By subsidizing water costs and guaranteeing supply through tanker services, the government hopes to stabilize agricultural productivity during the dry season.

The initiative reflects growing efforts by state authorities to cushion farmers against recurring water stress in semi-arid regions of South India, where groundwater depletion has become an increasingly acute challenge.