In response to the anticipated impact of El Niño and the possibility of below-normal rainfall, Nandyal District Collector G. Raja Kumari has directed agriculture officials to intensify awareness campaigns promoting climate-resilient farming practices. Farmers have been advised to reduce cultivation of water-intensive crops such as paddy and maize and instead adopt crops that require less water and are better suited to dry conditions.

Among the recommended alternatives are sorghum, pearl millet, and foxtail millet, along with pulses and castor. These crops are expected to help farmers manage water scarcity while maintaining productivity during uncertain weather conditions. Officials have also emphasized crop insurance enrollment, e-crop registration, and technical guidance on improved cultivation practices, including pre-monsoon dry sowing, organic farming, and selection of suitable crop varieties.

The initiative reflects Andhra Pradesh's broader strategy to prepare agriculture for climate variability by encouraging drought-resilient crops. Promoting millets as part of this adaptation plan highlights their growing role in sustainable farming and climate-smart agriculture.