In Karnataka, a 35% rainfall deficit during the southwest monsoon led to 217 of 240 taluks being declared drought-hit. Crops like red gram, maize, cotton, and sugarcane suffered extensive damage. Similarly, Andhra Pradesh faced a 53% shortfall in rainfall, affecting 388 of 688 mandals and putting horticulture crops over 18,000 hectares at risk. These deficits severely impact farmers' livelihoods and food security.