20% fall likely in paddy over dry spell in T’gana
Hyderabad Paddy cultivation in Telangana is likely to witness a shortfall of at least 20% this Kharif season due to deficit rainfall causing a dry spell on account of El Nino conditions across the state, officials said on Wednesday
A 20% reduction in paddy cultivation is expected in Telangana's Kharif season due to a deficit in rainfall caused by El Nino conditions, officials have stated. The paddy, the primary Kharif crop in the region, has been planted on only 50,11,417 acres as of August 25, compared to the targeted 65,95,645 acres, resulting in a shortfall of 24.02%.
Although farmers have time to increase the cultivated area until the end of August, limited rainfall and dry spell conditions make a substantial rise in paddy area unlikely. The state has experienced a 28.68% rainfall deficit during the current Kharif season, with 15 districts and 266 mandals receiving below-normal rainfall, raising concerns about expanding crop acreage.
Paddy production in Telangana is projected to decline significantly this year, with the department reporting that only 89.62% of the targeted area has been sown. Other water-intensive crops like castor and sugarcane are also likely to face a 25-48% reduction in cultivation. However, rainfed crops such as jowar, maize, red gram, and soybean are expected to maintain normal production.
Farmers have been advised to shift towards alternate, less water-intensive crops to mitigate the weather-related risks and conserve water resources.
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