Hyderabad Paddy cultivation in Telangana is likely to witness a shortfall of at least 20% this Kharif season due to deficit rainfall causing a dry spell on account of El Nino conditions across the state, officials said on Wednesday.
The agriculture department has reported that in view of the IMD forecast indicating the possibility of a prolonged impact of El Niño on rainfall patterns in the state, farmers are being advised to diversify paddy cultivation towards alternate, less water-intensive crops to mitigate weather-related risks and conserve water resources. “Though farmers still have time to take up paddy transplantation until the end of August, the scope for a substantial increase in the paddy area is limited keeping in view the present rainfall situation. The state has been experiencing deficient rainfall during the current season, and the prevailing dry conditions this month are likely to further restrict paddy cultivation. The district which recorded deficit rainfall are: Adilabad, Warangal, Hanumakonda, Mahabubabad, Jangaon, Khammam, Badradri Kothagudem, Medchal Malkajgiri, Narayanpet, Nagarkurnool, Wanaparthy, Jogulamba Gadwal, Nalgonda, Suryapet and Yadadri Bhongiri.
As per the inputs from the Indian Meteorological Department, Telangana has recorded a 28.68% rainfall deficit during the Kharif season so far. As many as 15 districts and 266 mandals have received below-normal rainfall, raising concerns over the expansion of crop acreage during the remaining period of the season.
The dry conditions are expected to prevail till this month end, restricting further paddy cultivation,” the official said.
