El Niño Threat: Telangana Plans ₹520 Crore Support to Promote Alternative Crops

The Telangana Agriculture Department has prepared an action plan to help farmers cope with the potential impact of El Niño and encourage the cultivation of less water-intensive crops during the Rabi season. According to the department’s report, ₹224 crore would be required to distribute seeds at subsidised rates, while ₹296.88 crore has been proposed for the promotion and expansion of horticultural crops. The plan was prepared in response to the state government’s directions to recommend measures to address El Niño-related challenges.

The report warns that inadequate rainfall during the Kharif season could delay sowing, reduce soil moisture, slow crop growth and affect yields, potentially creating difficulties for the subsequent Rabi season. To reduce these risks, the department has recommended promoting oilseeds, pulses and vegetables as alternatives to paddy. It has also proposed farmer awareness programmes, village-level meetings, farm ponds, mulching and rainwater conservation measures. Coordination with groundwater, rural development and agricultural university officials is planned at district, mandal and village levels. The state has also appointed special IAS officers to monitor conditions across ten erstwhile districts. Timely implementation of these measures, along with access to quality seeds, subsidies and technical guidance, could help farmers conserve water and reduce potential crop losses.