Hyderabad: Telangana ’s kharif crop losses are estimated at ₹20,000 crore, mainly in paddy and cotton, while rabi cultivation could shrink to 70 lakh acres from the normal 1.3 crore acres amid continuing rainfall deficit, according to Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agriculture University (PJTAU).
Officials said similar situations had occurred in previous seasons, but crop diversification had reached nearly 30% this time, the highest level recorded. Chief secretary Sanjay Jaju held 12 review meetings with officials on the El Niño scenario and ensured farmers were informed about the need to shift towards crops requiring less water, officials said. PJTAU’s separate El Niño assessment gives projected combined kharif and rabi paddy production of 198–219 lakh metric tonnes, depending on water availability.
The university estimated kharif losses after factoring in a 25% decline in cropped area, damage to standing crops due to deficient rainfall and losses from land left uncultivated. With rainfall concerns extending into the rabi season, which depends on the northeast monsoon from October, the university expects the cultivated area to nearly halve from normal levels. Officials have encouraged farmers to consider pulses and green manure crops, which require fewer resources and can improve soil health. The advice comes amid concerns that sowing water-intensive crops without sufficient rainfall or irrigation could leave farmers with additional expenditure and little chance of recovering their investment. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Hyderabad | Silver Rate in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad | Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Petrol Price in Hyderabad | Diesel Price in Hyderabad | CNG Price in Hyderabad | LPG Price in Hyderabad