Telangana | Updated October 13, 2026

Telangana officials are urging farmers to plan the coming Yasangi (Rabi) season around available water and consider alternatives to water-intensive paddy, including pulses and oilseeds. The advice comes amid concerns about below-normal rainfall, higher temperatures and possible El Niño-related pressure on irrigation supplies.

New context — Kharif losses: The Times of India reported on October 13 that Telangana’s rain-related Kharif crop losses could reach ₹20,000 crore, with paddy and cotton among the crops badly affected. This is an estimate reported by the newspaper, not a final government-certified loss figure. Damage assessments and any compensation decisions may change as authorities complete their reviews. The reported losses add pressure to Rabi planning but do not mean every district or farmer faces the same conditions.

Deccan Chronicle reported on October 7 that Agriculture Secretary K. Surendra Mohan asked district officials to encourage irrigated-dry crops such as pulses and oilseeds, with crop choice guided by groundwater availability. Revenue and Housing Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy also urged farmers on October 11 to reconsider Rabi cultivation in view of rainfall deficits and potential water shortages, according to The Times of India.

Which crops are being encouraged?

Government crop-diversification guidance identifies pulses, oilseeds, millets and suitable horticultural crops as alternatives in locations where water availability is limited. Vegetables may also be suitable where local soil, temperatures, irrigation access, market demand and storage or transport arrangements support them. These are not universal recommendations: farmers should consult local agriculture officers before choosing a crop.

Why the shift matters

Paddy can require substantial irrigation, particularly where rainfall and groundwater recharge are weak. Switching crops may reduce water demand, but the financial outcome depends on seed and input costs, yields, procurement or market access, and prices at harvest. Farmers should compare expected returns rather than assume every alternative crop will be more profitable.

The Union Agriculture Ministry’s Rabi 2026 planning guidance says water budgets and district-level assessments should guide crop choices. In August, the ministry also described location-specific crop diversification in states facing groundwater stress, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab and Haryana.

Advice for farmers

  • Check local reservoir, canal and groundwater conditions before sowing.
  • Ask the agriculture department or extension officer which pulses, oilseeds, millets or vegetables are suitable for the local soil and season.
  • Confirm seed availability, likely procurement support and nearby market demand before investing.
  • Use irrigation efficiently and avoid relying on uncertain rainfall forecasts alone.

Important: This is crop-planning guidance, not a blanket prohibition on rice cultivation across India. Farmers should follow the latest district-specific advice and any official notifications that apply to their area.

Sources

Reporting note: The ₹20,000-crore figure is a reported estimate and not a final audited total. Crop selection should be based on district-level water availability, soil and market conditions.