India
Rayalaseema Sweet Lime Farmers Face Water Crisis
Farmers in Rayalaseema who have cultivated sweet lime trees for years are now struggling as their orchards dry up. Borewells are running dry and a prolonged lack of rainfall has left farmers in and around the Santhanuthalapadu mandal watching their trees wither. Despite spending thousands of rupees on water tankers, many cultivators are facing mounting debts and uncertain returns on their labor. Farmers, wearing traditional dhotis and duster towels, stand under the sun beside their drip‑irrigation lines, concerned that the deepening water crisis could destroy the livelihoods they have built around sweet lime cultivation.
Frequently asked questions
What is causing the water crisis for sweet lime farmers in Rayalaseema?
Borewells are running dry and there has been a prolonged lack of rainfall.
How are farmers coping with the crisis?
They are spending thousands of rupees on water tankers and using drip‑irrigation lines, but many face mounting debts and uncertain returns.
Where are the affected farmers located?
They are in and around Santhanuthalapadu mandal in Rayalaseema.