SKLTGHU recommends measures for horticulture resilience

Hyderabad:  Telangana's Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University (SKLTGHU) has released a contingency crop management plan for 2026-27 to help farmers tackle the anticipated impact of El Niño on horticultural production. The advisory warns that rainfall may decline to around 90 per cent of the Long Period Average, with uneven distribution across the state.

According to the outlook, Northern and Southern Telangana are likely to receive below-normal rainfall, while Central Telangana may experience above-normal precipitation. The university has urged farmers to adopt scientific crop management practices to minimise losses caused by delayed monsoons, prolonged dry spells, heat waves and moisture stress.

Vice Chancellor Dr. D. Raji Reddy said timely preparedness, continuous monitoring of seasonal conditions and the prompt dissemination of agro advisories are crucial to protecting horticultural crops.

The plan recommends beginning rainfed sowing only after receiving adequate rainfall, promoting drip irrigation, mulching, rainwater harvesting and the use of organic inputs. Farmers have also been advised to adopt integrated pest management and natural farming practices wherever feasible.

Specific recommendations have been issued for major horticultural crops including mango, citrus, guava, chilli, banana, oil palm, coconut and vegetables. The university stressed that strengthening coordination among horticulture, irrigation and disaster management departments would be vital to safeguarding Telangana's horticulture sector and ensuring economic stability.