Rain Deficit in Telangana; Threat of More Rain Looms Over Khargone
Farmers' crops in Telangana are suffering due to a lack of rainfall, while in Khargone, Madhya Pradesh, the prospect of further rain—following recent downpours—has heightened farmers' anxiety. Weather conditions in both regions continue to pose challenges for agriculture.
P. Narsi Reddy, a 66-year-old farmer from Telangana, had a paddy crop ready for harvest on five acres of land. Due to the lack of rain and the absence of a reliable irrigation source, he abandoned the crop, leaving it for livestock to graze on. He was also forced to leave another four acres of land, prepared for vegetable cultivation, unplanted. According to Narsi Reddy, the expected yield from an acre of cotton this season is merely one quintal, whereas the usual output ranges from 10 to 11 quintals.
Narsi Reddy mentioned that the Agriculture Department had advised against cultivating paddy without a dependable water source. He noted that farmers had anticipated rainfall based on forecasts from the Meteorological Department. He revealed that his outstanding bank loan has reached approximately ₹8 lakh. The farmer stated that loan waiver schemes—implemented by the previous BRS government (with a limit of ₹1 lakh) and the current Congress government (with a limit of ₹2 lakh)—failed to provide him with complete debt relief.
Duggi Krishna, a farmer from Maddipalli village in Khammam district, has cultivated cotton on three acres. The crop, currently in the boll-formation stage, had begun to wither due to the lack of rain, though recent light showers have provided some relief. Krishna purchased seeds and other agricultural inputs from private dealers; consequently, he is compelled to sell his produce to those same dealers, despite the higher prevailing market rates.
Meanwhile, Vajja Rama Rao pointed out that while farmers were advised to cultivate rain-dependent crops, the necessary seeds were not made available to them.
On the other hand, the rain has currently subsided in Khargone. Bright sunshine on Wednesday morning caused the water accumulated in the low-lying areas of the fields to begin receding. The district has received 29.1 inches of rainfall so far, against an annual average of 32.6 inches. Khargone and Gogawan have already met their average rainfall quota.
According to the Meteorological Department, rainfall is likely in western Madhya Pradesh starting September 17. Farmers fear that renewed heavy rain could increase damage to cotton and soybean crops. Persistent moisture is also leading to pest issues in cotton crops in some areas.
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