El Niño Impact Damages Crops Across Telangana, Farmers Face Heavy Losses

According to the preliminary estimates cited in the supplied report, drought-like conditions and intense heat have caused extensive crop damage across Telangana, leaving farmers facing significant financial losses. The estimated damage covers around 23.4 lakh acres across the state, with cotton reportedly suffering the heaviest losses. Nearly 15 lakh acres of cotton, 4 lakh acres of paddy, 1.5 lakh acres of pigeon pea, 70,000 acres of maize and approximately 14,000 acres of chilli crops have been affected. Farmers are concerned about losing their investments as crops have deteriorated during the growing season. The report attributes the adverse conditions to the impact of El Niño, along with a lack of rainfall and high temperatures.

Nalgonda reportedly recorded the highest crop damage, affecting around 3.58 lakh acres. Narayanpet followed with 2.40 lakh acres, Sangareddy with 2.19 lakh acres, Jangaon with 2 lakh acres and Nagarkurnool with 1.78 lakh acres. The reported damage also includes 1.69 lakh acres in Rangareddy, 1.54 lakh acres each in Adilabad and Mahabubnagar, 1.24 lakh acres in Vikarabad and 90,000 acres in Bhuvanagiri. Farmers’ organisations have urged the state government to respond promptly, conduct a comprehensive crop-loss assessment and provide adequate compensation to affected farmers.