Expert panel proposes ₹802.9 crore contingency plan to tackle El Niño impact in Telangana
HYDERABAD:An expert committee has recommended a ₹802.92 crore State-level contingency action plan to mitigate the impact of prevailing El Niño conditions on agriculture and allied sectors in Telangana, where deficient monsoon rainfall has disrupted kharif operations across much of the State.
Rainfall deficit affects kharif sowing across 26 districts
The committee noted that Telangana had received only 234.80 mm of rainfall against the normal 333.90 mm as of July 27, resulting in a 30% rainfall deficit. Of the State’s 33 districts, 26 are experiencing deficient rainfall.
The report said the deficit had reduced the cropped area to 74.56 lakh acres from 79.49 lakh acres during the corresponding period last year. Cotton has been sown in 45 lakh acres, accounting for 94.91% of the normal area, while soybean covers 3.62 lakh acres, or 87.01% of the normal. Paddy cultivation has been affected the most, with transplantation completed in only 14.92 lakh acres, or 22.60% of the normal area, because of inadequate rainfall and limited water availability.
Committee recommends irrigation, seed support and credit relief
To protect standing crops, the committee proposed providing drip and sprinkler irrigation systems with 75% to 90% subsidy to improve water-use efficiency. It estimated ₹402 crore for drip irrigation, ₹50 crore for sprinkler systems and ₹0.80 crore for mulching, taking the total requirement to ₹452.80 crore.
The report also recommended providing solar fencing with 50% to 75% subsidy in areas affected by wild animals.
To utilise the remaining 32 lakh acres of uncultivated land, the committee suggested preparing village-wise contingency plans and promoting drought-tolerant crops, including pulses, oilseeds, millets, vegetables and fodder crops.
It proposed supplying quality seeds of vegetables, pulses, millets, oilseeds and fodder with 75% subsidy at an estimated cost of ₹330 crore.
The committee recommended rescheduling crop loans in drought-affected areas and facilitating fresh loans for farmers adopting contingency crops. It also suggested that the government bear 75% of the crop insurance premium to improve insurance coverage.
Focus on livestock, water security and employment
The report recommended establishing fodder banks, subsidising fodder seed, promoting fodder cultivation, organising cattle camps where required, supporting sheep feed and transporting sheep to areas with adequate grazing.
It also suggested repairing and constructing village water troughs through the Rural Development Department to ensure drinking water for livestock.
To generate employment, the committee proposed continuous work under rural employment programmes through farm ponds, check dams, desilting of tanks, rainwater harvesting structures and borewell recharge works. It recommended that the Centre permit uninterrupted employment for agricultural labourers during the El Niño period.
For drinking water management, the report called for efficient use of the Mission Bhagiratha network by repairing leakages, ensuring all taps have functional on-off systems, promoting water conservation and maintaining drinking water sources for both people and livestock. It also recommended prioritising reservoir water for drinking purposes until the next monsoon.
The committee further proposed uninterrupted quality power supply for irrigation and strengthening extension services through the Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry departments, along with scientists from the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA), Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) and Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (IIOR).
Vegetable cultivation, dairying and market support proposed
The report recommended promoting vegetable cultivation in villages and peri-urban areas around Hyderabad by supplying quality seed with 75% subsidy, expanding micro-irrigation and providing transport support to Rythu Bazaars. It also proposed ₹15 crore for vegetable pandals.
It suggested encouraging floriculture and dairy farming around Hyderabad through financial assistance to rural youth.
The committee recommended balanced nutrient management through judicious fertiliser use, organic manures and bio-fertilisers. It also proposed establishing 3,200 vermicompost units—100 in each district—with 100% subsidy at an estimated cost of ₹5.12 crore.
Village-level nodal teams have been proposed to monitor crop conditions, drinking water, fodder availability, employment, power supply, public health and implementation of contingency measures.
To protect farmers from distress sales, the committee recommended market intervention through TS Markfed whenever prices of contingency crops fall below the Minimum Support Price. Procurement centres closer to villages have also been proposed to reduce transportation costs.
The committee said immediate implementation of the recommendations, supported by timely financial assistance and coordinated action across departments, was essential to protect agriculture, safeguard livelihoods, ensure drinking water and fodder security, and reduce the socio-economic impact of drought.
