Telangana Faces 27% Rainfall Deficit; Farmers Urged to Switch Crops
Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju announced on Friday that Telangana is among the states most affected by the El Nino weather pattern. He directed officials to intensify mitigation measures and encourage farmers to shift away from water-intensive crops.
During a video conference with District Collectors and officials from the Secretariat, Mr. Jaju suggested constructing farm ponds on a large scale this season. He also instructed Collectors to hold mandal-level meetings every 45 days to review the situation and coordinate actions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that rainfall is likely to remain below normal in September as well. Mr. Jaju directed officials to sensitise farmers about alternative crops and assure them of Minimum Support Price (MSP) support.
Officials reported that Telangana has recorded a 27% rainfall deficit so far this season. Only seven districts have received normal rainfall, while 385 mandals are experiencing deficient rainfall. Neighbouring Karnataka and Maharashtra also face unsatisfactory rainfall, and reservoir water is being conserved primarily for drinking purposes. Farmers have been advised to consider alternative crops instead of paddy.
Additionally, Mr. Jaju directed officials to ensure that every student in government and residential schools receives two school uniforms within a month, following Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy's instructions.
