El Niño action plan to be submitted to CM: Tummala

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

The Telangana government will prepare a comprehensive state-level action plan on the anticipated El Niño conditions by incorporating district-wise recommendations and submit it to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao said on Thursday.

Reviewing the situation with senior officials at the Secretariat, the minister said the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that El Niño conditions are likely to continue over the coming months, intensify by September and persist until December, posing a challenge to both the kharif and rabi seasons.

Tummala urged farmers to avoid taking up paddy cultivation based on recent scattered showers, pointing out that 23 districts have recorded deficient rainfall and groundwater levels are declining. He advised officials to discourage paddy cultivation even under borewell irrigation, warning that water available in major and minor irrigation projects may primarily be required for drinking purposes. Farmers should instead receive regular updates on reservoir storage and water availability.

The minister asked officials to promote crop diversification by encouraging pulses, millets, oilseeds, vegetables and horticulture crops suited to local conditions. Special awareness campaigns will be conducted at the village level, while proposals are being examined to appoint dedicated officers for every mandal and village to guide farmers on crop choices and water management.

He directed departments to ensure the advance availability of alternative crop seeds, drip and sprinkler equipment and fertilizers. Rythu Vedikas may be used as seed distribution centres if required. NABARD was requested to enhance support for micro-irrigation, while banks were urged to increase crop and allied agricultural loans. Officials were also instructed to secure ₹498 crore under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) for irrigation infrastructure.

The minister stressed that all departments must work in coordination to minimise the impact of El Niño through water conservation, rainwater harvesting, farm ponds, check dams and scientific advisories. State Planning Commission Vice-Chairman Chinna Reddy said Telangana has recorded a 24 per cent rainfall deficit so far and warned that nearly 32 lakh acres of cultivation could be affected, making crop diversification essential.