Facing a severe rainfall deficit linked to the El Niño weather phenomenon, the Telangana government has prepared an ₹802.92-crore contingency plan aimed at reducing the impact of drought-like conditions across the state.
The plan, prepared by a 22-member expert committee led by State Planning Board Chairman G. Chinna Reddy, focuses on protecting agriculture, livestock, water resources, and rural livelihoods.
According to official data, Telangana recorded a 30% rainfall deficit as of July 27, receiving only 234.8 mm of rainfall against the normal 740.6 mm. The shortfall has affected 26 districts, reducing the cultivated area to 7.456 million acres, down from 7.949 million acres during the same period last year.
The committee has recommended 75–90% subsidies for drip and sprinkler irrigation systems to improve water efficiency, along with 50–75% subsidies for solar fencing where needed. It also proposed promoting drought-resistant crops such as pulses, millets, oilseeds, vegetables, and fodder crops by supplying quality seeds at 75% subsidy, with an estimated cost of ₹330 crore.
To support farmers, the report recommends rescheduling crop loans, providing fresh credit for contingency crops, and expanding crop insurance with the government bearing 75% of the insurance premium.
For the livestock sector, the panel suggested establishing fodder banks, encouraging fodder cultivation, organising cattle camps, and improving drinking water facilities for animals through village water troughs.
The committee also stressed efficient use of the Mission Bhagiratha drinking water network by repairing leaks, preventing wastage, and ensuring reservoir water is prioritised for drinking purposes until the next monsoon.
Additionally, it proposed creating continuous rural employment through works such as farm ponds, check dams, rainwater harvesting structures, and tank desilting under employment guarantee schemes. Measures to diversify farm income include promoting vegetable and floriculture cultivation around Hyderabad and providing financial assistance for dairy units.
The contingency plan aims to strengthen Telangana’s resilience against prolonged dry conditions while safeguarding farmers, livestock, and rural livelihoods.
