Cotton Growers in Telangana Anticipate Vital Showers
Cotton farmers in Telangana are anxiously awaiting fresh showers to save their crops, even as the State government expects cotton acreage to reach 28.30 lakh hectares this year.
Although rains have arrived, they have been unevenly distributed, impacting crop survival. Farmers have engaged in large-scale sowing, but only about 70% of seeds have survived, with some farmers resorting to irrigation for support.
Despite receiving 85.3 mm of rainfall against a normal of 78.5 mm, 11 out of 32 districts reported deficit rainfall. As of June 19, cotton has been sown on 6.31 lakh hectares and paddy on 11,000 hectares.
Agricultural Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao anticipates 70 lakh acres for cotton and 20.23 lakh hectares for paddy. However, excessive focus on these crops may impact horticulture and vegetable production.
A senior agricultural scientist noted that sowing is only 70% complete and that further delays in rain could necessitate re-sowing. Paddy farmers are opting for short-duration varieties, allowing for a later sowing window.
