'El Niño may impact monsoon, plan crops carefully': Uttam

Metro India News | Hyderabad

Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Friday cautioned farmers about the possible impact of the El Niño effect on the ongoing Kharif season and urged them to adopt careful crop planning and judicious water management. Addressing farmers during a series of official programmes in Suryapet district, he said the Congress Government had transformed agriculture into a "festive activity" through record paddy production, large scale procurement, and continued bonus support for seven fine rice varieties, significantly improving farmers' livelihoods.

The Minister, however, advised farmers to remain vigilant as El Niño has weakened the southwest monsoon. He noted that India recorded nearly 40 per cent below normal rainfall in June 2026, while Telangana received around 22 per cent less rainfall, delaying sowing in several regions. He explained that inadequate rainfall in Maharashtra, which forms a major part of the Godavari river basin, has also slowed water inflows into Telangana.

Uttam Kumar Reddy advised farmers in water stressed areas to avoid highly water intensive crops and instead opt for crops that require less water and are more resilient to dry conditions. He stressed that available reservoir water should be utilised prudently, with drinking water receiving the highest priority, followed by irrigation. The government, he said, is closely monitoring rainfall and reservoir levels and will take timely measures to minimise the impact of dry weather while ensuring continued support to the farming community.

During his visit, the Minister inspected the construction of the Integrated School at Gaddipalli being built at a cost of Rs 250 crore, reviewed works at the Government Junior College and Government Degree College in Huzurnagar, and inaugurated the BT Road connecting Chilukuru and Jerripothulagu. Kodad MLA N. Padmavati Reddy participated in the programmes.