Hyderabad: Below-normal rainfall has been recorded in 253 mandals across Telangana, triggering concern among farmers who had counted on the early arrival of the southwest monsoon this year.
The initial showers during the Rohini Karthe phase were insufficient, forcing many cultivators to look for alternatives. Farmers who had already sown seeds on the strength of early rainfall got some relief from scattered showers in the past few days, but figures released by the Meteorological Department from June 1 to June 27 show a worrying deficit.
According to officials, Adilabad, Komaram Bheem, Nirmal, Nizamabad, Jagtial, Sangareddy, Siddipet, Gadwal, and Nagarkurnool districts recorded normal rainfall, while Mahbubnagar and Wanaparthy saw above-average rainfall.
However, for the past two weeks, the monsoon’s momentum has slowed across most parts of the state, leaving only patchy or moderate rains. Farmers who completed sowing are still hoping the next 15 days will bring sufficient rain to help the crops establish, though many have complained of losing nearly a month of crucial time.
The highest rainfall deficit from June 1 to 27 was reported in Medchal-Malkajgiri and Hyderabad districts. Severe shortfall was also seen in Mancherial, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Mahabubabad, Warangal, Hanumakonda, Karimnagar, Rajanna Sircilla, Sangareddy, Medak, Jangaon, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Ranga Reddy, Nalgonda, Suryapet, Khammam, Mulugu, and Narayanpet.
With the monsoon weakening and rainfall below normal, the situation has raised concerns among farmers about crop establishment and survival.