An unkind weather and unavailability of seeds have blighted the prospects of farmers of Anantapur this year.
Located in a rain shadow, the district is known for groundnut cultivation, which covers over 75% of its cropped area. Other important crops include sunflower (6.4%), green gram (4.9%), pigeon pea (3.6%), rice (3.4%) and sorghum (2.2%), according to Agriculture department officials.