Telangana agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao has urged farmers to avoid paddy cultivation during the upcoming Yasangi season and shift to short-duration crops, citing concerns over drought-like conditions, irrigation-water availability and the possible effects of El Niño.
Speaking at a Rythu Nestham conference attended by district collectors and farmers, Tummala said farmers should assess available water before finalising their cropping plans. He directed agriculture officials to explain the prevailing conditions to farmers and encourage crops that can be grown with less water.
The minister’s appeal comes as the state government assesses the risks facing the next cultivation season. According to the minister, rainfall could remain deficient and reservoir levels may not improve sufficiently to support water-intensive crops. Paddy, which requires substantial water, was therefore identified as a crop farmers should reconsider in areas where irrigation availability is uncertain.
To support a shift in cropping patterns, the government is supplying subsidised seeds for short-duration crops, Tummala said. The measure is intended to give farmers access to alternatives while reducing dependence on water-intensive cultivation during a season that could face tighter water availability.
The minister also said the effects of El Niño were being felt globally and that farmers needed to be informed about the likely water situation before making decisions. The instruction to district collectors and agriculture officials places local administration at the centre of the response, with field-level officials expected to communicate the risks and promote alternative crops.
The announcement highlights the link between seasonal water planning and crop choices in Telangana. While the government has asked farmers to move away from paddy in water-stressed conditions, the supplied report does not specify district-wise water availability, the short-duration crops being prioritised or the quantity of subsidised seed being made available.
Tummala also accused opposition parties of attempting to gain political mileage from the drought situation, saying the focus should remain on farmers’ welfare and the challenges they face. The agriculture department’s next steps will involve educating farmers and supporting the proposed shift before Yasangi crop planning is completed.
