Alina
Telangana Farmers Warned About Drought
Telangana Farmers Must Prepare for Drought: Agriculture Minister
Amid growing concerns over changing weather conditions, Telangana Agriculture Minister Thummala Nageswara Rao has cautioned farmers across the state to prepare for possible drought conditions and adopt water-efficient farming methods.
During a high-level review meeting held at the Secretariat on Thursday, June 4, the minister instructed officials from the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments to launch extensive awareness programmes and guide farmers toward crops suitable for drought-prone conditions.
The warning comes after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reportedly indicated the possibility of drought-like situations emerging due to the El Niño effect.
Minister Warns Farmers to Stay Prepared
Addressing senior officials, the minister stressed the need for immediate preparedness at the grassroots level.
He directed officials to educate farmers on:
- Low-water crops
- Drought-resistant crop varieties
- Alternative farming methods
- Rain-fed cultivation practices
- Efficient crop planning based on weather conditions
According to the minister, changing climatic patterns require farmers to shift from traditional approaches and adapt to scientific agricultural methods.
He stressed that early awareness could help minimise crop losses if rainfall remains below expectations.
Gram Sabhas To Spread Awareness
To ensure farmers receive district-specific guidance, the minister instructed officials to conduct Gram Sabhas on June 4, 6, 8, and 10.
These meetings will reportedly focus on:
- District-wise crop plans
- Water availability assessment
- Suitable seasonal crops
- Farming alternatives during drought conditions
Officials have been directed to ensure farmers understand local agricultural conditions before sowing decisions are made.
The move aims to improve preparedness and reduce risks associated with uncertain monsoon patterns.
Short-Duration Crops Recommended
The minister advised officials to encourage farmers, especially in:
- Lift irrigation areas
- Borewell-dependent regions
to shift toward short-duration fine rice varieties and crops requiring less water.
He also urged agriculture officers to promote rain-fed crops wherever suitable.
Agriculture extension teams have been instructed to work directly at the field level and guide farmers in selecting crops compatible with anticipated weather patterns.
Experts believe choosing the right crop based on rainfall conditions can significantly reduce financial losses during drought years.
Strict Action Against Crop Residue Burning
Apart from drought preparedness, the minister also reviewed concerns regarding crop residue burning.
Satellite images from Nagarkurnool district were reportedly examined during the meeting to assess the impact of stubble burning.
The minister instructed officials to collect similar evidence from all districts across Telangana.
He warned that strict action would be taken against those involved in burning agricultural residues.
According to officials, stubble burning contributes to:
- Soil degradation
- Environmental pollution
- Reduced soil fertility
- Air quality deterioration
The minister also encouraged spreading awareness about scientific crop residue management techniques as alternatives to burning.
Committee to Protect Agriculture Department Lands
Another important issue discussed during the meeting was the protection of vacant lands belonging to the Agriculture Department.
The minister announced plans to establish a committee involving IAS officers within a month to safeguard government-owned agricultural lands from encroachment.
Officials will reportedly explore options to:
- Lease vacant land for revenue generation
- Develop plantation programmes
- Improve land management systems
The move aims to prevent illegal occupation while ensuring better utilisation of government resources.
Fertiliser App To Be Introduced
The minister also discussed the implementation of a fertiliser management app developed by the Central government.
According to officials, the Union Ministry of Agriculture has requested Telangana to effectively implement the app in pilot districts.
The Centre has reportedly assured incentives if the state successfully adopts the platform.
The application is expected to improve:
- Fertiliser tracking
- Distribution efficiency
- Resource management
- Agricultural planning
Officials believe technology-driven systems could improve transparency and better support farmers.
Why El Niño Raises Concern
The warning about drought conditions is linked to the El Niño weather phenomenon, which often affects rainfall distribution in India.
El Niño can lead to:
- Reduced monsoon rainfall
- Delayed rains
- Water shortages
- Lower agricultural productivity
For a state like Telangana, where farming heavily depends on seasonal rainfall, below-average monsoons could significantly impact crop yields.
This is why authorities are urging farmers to prepare in advance.
Conclusion
Telangana Agriculture Minister Thummala Nageswara Rao’s warning signals growing concern over possible drought conditions in the state due to the El Niño effect.
By encouraging farmers to adopt drought-resistant crops, short-duration varieties, and alternative farming methods, the government hopes to reduce agricultural losses and improve resilience against changing climate patterns.
With Gram Sabhas, awareness campaigns, and field-level guidance planned in the coming days, officials are aiming to help farmers make informed decisions before the cultivation season begins.
Disclaimer: Weather predictions and drought forecasts are subject to change based on evolving meteorological conditions. Farmers are advised to follow updates issued by local agricultural departments and official weather agencies.
