Hyderabad: Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju reviewed preparations for El Niño awareness meetings across Telangana. The State Cabinet decided to hold district-level programmes on the rainfall deficit and the expected impact of El Niño.
He conducted a video conference with District Collectors and Special Officers from the Secretariat. They reviewed the arrangements for the meetings. Ministers-in-Charge will visit the ten erstwhile districts. They will assess the ground situation, interact with farmers and stakeholders, and recommend measures to reduce the impact of deficient rainfall.
El Niño awareness meetings to guide farmers
The Chief Secretary directed all Special Officers to attend the district-level meetings on July 20. Accordingly, he said the programme aimed to create awareness about El Niño and its impact on agriculture.
Sanjay Jaju said most Telangana districts already faced a severe rainfall deficit. Therefore, he urged officials to educate farmers on contingency measures. He also asked them to promote crop diversification to reduce risks and protect livelihoods.
He said the day-long programme would provide scientific and technical guidance to farmers. In addition, farmers would interact with experts and government officials. They could understand weather conditions, clarify doubts and make informed crop planning decisions.
El Niño awareness meetings to involve all departments
The Chief Secretary instructed District Collectors from every erstwhile district to attend the meetings. He also directed senior officers from Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Irrigation and other departments to participate.
Furthermore, he asked Collectors and Special Officers to make detailed arrangements. He directed them to ensure maximum participation by farmers, public representatives, agricultural experts, scientists, extension officials, media representatives and other stakeholders.
Special Chief Secretaries Vikas Raj, Dana Kishore, Navin Mittal and Benhur Ekka attended the video conference. Agriculture Secretary Surendra Mohan and other senior officials also participated.