Telangana Farmers Alert: Thummala Urges Farmers to Reduce Paddy Cultivation Amid Rainfall Concerns

Telangana Farmers Alert: Telangana Agriculture Minister Thummala Nageswara Rao has urged farmers to carefully plan their crop choices this season, warning that weather conditions may not remain fully favorable. He said the expected impact of El Nino could lead to lower rainfall during June and July, creating challenges for water intensive farming activities.

Given the possibility of limited water availability, the minister advised farmers to reduce paddy cultivation and consider crops that require less water while offering better returns. He particularly encouraged growers to explore oil palm cultivation and other suitable alternatives that can withstand uncertain weather conditions.

Thummala said agricultural officers and scientists are closely monitoring the situation and providing guidance to help farmers make informed decisions. He noted that shifting toward alternative crops based on expert recommendations could help minimize risks associated with potential dry spells.

The minister also assured farmers that there is no need to worry about fertilizer availability. According to him, the state currently has around 9.022 million bags of urea in stock, ensuring adequate supplies for the agricultural season. A significant portion of these stocks is available through Markfed, retail outlets, cooperative societies, and warehouses across Telangana.

Highlighting the government’s preparedness, Thummala said efforts are underway to ensure fertilizers reach farmers on time. He emphasized that the administration is continuously monitoring supply chains to avoid shortages during the peak farming period.

The minister further pointed to the growing success of the Fertilizer App introduced by the government. The digital platform allows farmers to conveniently book fertilizer requirements in advance. More than 406,000 farmers have already used the application to reserve over 1.322 million bags of fertilizer, with a large share of those deliveries already completed.

To make the service more accessible, the government has also introduced a toll free booking facility for farmers who do not own smartphones. Thummala said feedback from farmers is being used to improve the app regularly, ensuring a smoother experience and better access to essential agricultural inputs.