Telangana records 27% rainfall deficit; CS urges shift to alternative crops

Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju on Friday said Telangana is among the States most affected by El Nino and directed officials to intensify measures to mitigate its impact and encourage farmers to shift away from water-intensive crops.

Reviewing the situation with District Collectors and officials through a video conference from the Secretariat, Mr. Jaju suggested taking up the construction of farm ponds on a large scale during the current season. He also instructed Collectors to ensure that mandal-level meetings are held once every 45 days to review the situation and coordinate mitigation measures.

Officials said 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 and promote alternative crops, assuring them of Minimum Support Price (MSP) support.

According to officials, 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.

With rainfall also remaining unsatisfactory in neighbouring Karnataka and Maharashtra, and reservoir water being conserved primarily for drinking purposes, farmers have been advised to consider alternative crops instead of paddy.

Mr. Jaju also directed officials to ensure that two school uniforms are provided to every student in government and residential schools within a month, in accordance with the Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s instructions.