Hyderabad: An expert committee headed by Dr. G. Chinna Reddy submitted a comprehensive El Niño action plan to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Thursday, recommending measures to protect agriculture, allied sectors and rural livelihoods from drought conditions in Telangana.
The report, presented at Bodhi Centre, outlined immediate, medium-term and long-term strategies to address the impact of El Niño on agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, irrigation, drinking water and rural development. Agriculture Secretary Surendra Mohan, Agriculture Director Gopi and senior department officials attended the meeting.
The committee estimated that implementing the El Niño action plan would require approximately ₹802.92 crore.
El Niño action plan outlines drought mitigation
Speaking later at the Secretariat Media Centre, Dr. Chinna Reddy said the committee prepared the report after assessing the challenges posed by El Niño and coordinating with multiple government departments.
He said the report prioritised efficient water management, promotion of alternative crops, supply of quality seeds, fodder security, expansion of horticulture and weather-based agricultural advisories to minimise farmers’ losses.
Dr. Chinna Reddy said the rainfall received over the past three days had provided relief to farmers cultivating rainfed crops. He added that the government could use the available soil moisture and water resources to help farmers successfully complete the ongoing kharif season.
The committee stated that Telangana normally receives 740.60 mm of southwest monsoon rainfall. However, only 234.80 mm had been recorded until July 27, resulting in a rainfall deficit of nearly 30 per cent. It noted that most districts were facing drought conditions, while reservoir storage and groundwater levels had declined significantly.
El Niño action plan recommends alternative crops
The committee recommended promoting village-level cultivation of crops that require less water, including red gram, green gram, black gram, maize, sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet, oilseeds, vegetables and fodder crops.
It proposed supplying quality seeds for alternative crops with a subsidy of up to 75 per cent.
The report also recommended restricting paddy cultivation based on water availability and expanding micro-irrigation methods such as drip and sprinkler systems.
It called for wider implementation of water conservation measures, including broad-bed and furrow systems, ridge-and-furrow cultivation, mulching, farm ponds, rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.
The committee suggested expanding horticulture, oil palm plantations, fruit orchards and sericulture to improve farmers’ incomes while reducing water consumption. It also recommended subsidies for drip irrigation, shade-net houses, permanent structures and rainwater conservation works.
El Niño action plan focuses on livestock and water
The report recommended establishing district-level fodder banks, expanding fodder cultivation and promoting silage, hay production and azolla cultivation to prevent fodder shortages.
It also suggested distributing fodder seeds, establishing cattle camps where necessary and ensuring drinking water for livestock.
The committee proposed using the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) to construct check dams, farm ponds, desilt tanks and undertake groundwater recharge works while generating rural employment.
It stressed that Mission Bhagiratha should prioritise drinking water supply and ensure efficient utilisation of available reservoir water.
The committee further recommended continuous weather-based advisories through Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry departments, agricultural universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
It also proposed promoting organic and bio-fertilisers, establishing vermicompost units and creating district, mandal and village-level monitoring systems to track crop conditions, drinking water availability, fodder supplies, electricity and public health.
The report recommended market intervention and procurement centres if required to ensure remunerative prices for alternative crops.
The committee said immediate implementation of the El Niño action plan would strengthen Telangana’s agricultural sector by protecting crop production, farmers’ livelihoods, drinking water security, fodder availability and rural employment.