Hyderabad: A state-level expert committee led by Dr. G. Chinna Reddy has submitted a comprehensive action plan to A. Revanth Reddy to mitigate the impact of El Niño and drought-like conditions across Telangana. The report was presented at Bodhi Centre on Thursday.
The committee has proposed an integrated strategy covering agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, irrigation, rural development, and drinking water management. The plan is estimated to require ₹802.92 crore for implementation.
According to the report, Telangana has received only 234.80 mm of rainfall against the normal 740.60 mm by July 27, resulting in an overall rainfall deficit of nearly 30%. Most districts are facing drought conditions, with declining reservoir storage and groundwater levels.
Key recommendations include promoting alternative crops such as pulses, maize, millets, oilseeds, vegetables, and fodder crops, while providing 75% subsidy on quality seeds. The committee also recommended limiting paddy cultivation based on water availability and expanding micro-irrigation methods like drip and sprinkler systems.
To strengthen water conservation, the report emphasizes farm ponds, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, mulching, and scientific farming practices. It also calls for expanding horticulture, establishing fodder banks, promoting silage production, and ensuring drinking water through Mission Bhagiratha.
The committee further recommended creating a district-level monitoring system, strengthening rural employment through water conservation works under MGNREGS, and providing continuous weather-based agricultural advisories to farmers through coordinated efforts by government departments, agricultural universities, and research institutions.
The expert panel stated that immediate implementation of the action plan would help safeguard agricultural production, farmers’ livelihoods, drinking water security, livestock, and rural employment while enhancing the resilience of Telangana’s agriculture sector against El Niño conditions.