Rain shortfall hits Telangana’s Kharif season; paddy cultivation most affected

Hyderabad: A continuing rainfall deficit across 10 districts in Telangana has raised concerns over the State’s Kharif agricultural prospects, particularly paddy cultivation, with overall sowing activity significantly below seasonal averages as of July 9.

Only 165.5 mm of rainfall recorded against the usual 185.4 mm

According to data from the Telangana Development Planning Society, the State recorded cumulative rainfall of 165.5 mm between June 1 and July 9, against the normal of 185.4 mm, an 11 per cent shortfall.

The preceding week was especially dry, with only 27.5 mm of rainfall reported, compared to the normal 45.4 mm, marking a 39 per cent deviation.

While the southwest monsoon has been active in parts of the State, officials note that rainfall has remained uneven. Districts including Mancherial, Peddapally, Sangareddy, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Jangaon, Medchal, Suryapet, Nalgonda, Yadadri Bhongir and Hyderabad have all reported deficient rainfall levels.

In contrast, 23 districts have recorded normal rainfall, bringing some relief to farmers in those regions.

Only 42.48% of agricultural land sown so far; paddy took the maximum hit

The erratic rainfall pattern has directly impacted Kharif crop sowing across Telangana.

As of July 9, only 56.26 lakh acres had been sown, covering 42.48 per cent of the normal Kharif target of 132.44 lakh acres.

Paddy cultivation, a key component of the Kharif season, has been the worst hit. Only 5.01 lakh acres have been sown so far, just 8.02 per cent of the usual 62.48 lakh acres earmarked for the season. Other major crops, including horse gram, groundnut, sesamum, sunflower, and castor, also recorded sowing levels below 25 per cent of their normal acreage.

Cotton and maize sowing show progress

In contrast, maize sowing has exceeded expectations, with 5.34 lakh acres sown against the seasonal target of 5.21 lakh acres, achieving 102.52 per cent of the norm. Cotton sowing has also made significant progress, covering 36.30 lakh acres out of the expected 48.93 lakh acres, translating to 74.21 per cent of the season’s normal.

Window for sowing is still open

Agricultural officials note that the optimal sowing period for most rainfed Kharif crops falls between July 15 and July 25, with some crops being sown until the end of July. However, they also warn that the sowing window is narrow, and any further delay in rainfall could hurt crop prospects further.

Forecast offers limited relief

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across isolated regions of Telangana until July 16, with the possibility of isolated heavy showers in select districts. However, meteorologists caution that substantial or widespread rainfall over the next two weeks is unlikely.

With only a fraction of the season’s paddy sowing completed and overall sowing lagging behind, the coming weeks will be critical for Telangana’s agricultural output this year. The dependence on rainfed agriculture and the current deficit may prompt a shift in cropping patterns or lead to reduced yields if conditions do not improve.