Hyderabad: Farmers in Telangana are staring at a fifth crop loss season in a row with the state experiencing a prolonged dry spell this month. Agricultural experts said that the state might witness a third successive drought if rains do not return in the next 15 days.
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In such a situation, farmers might be forced to go for short-duration crops in the second half of the Kharif season.
So far, it appears that the Telangana government has not taken note of the severity of the dry spell and the consequent impact it can have on standing crops. Both the agriculture and revenue ministries in the state are yet to hold a meeting to review the situation.
On the other hand, neighbouring Karnataka, has once again, stolen the march with regard to being proactive on this front. "This is a crucial period when the government must swing into action. Karnataka has already sent a preliminary report to the Centre on possible crop loss due the interim dry spell after collecting mandal-wise data. This is the much-needed step of preparedness that would help a state government claim drought relief funds from the Centre. But, we are witnessing the state government's characteristic indifference in Telangana," said Satya Babu Bose, executive director of Centre for Rural Studies and Development.
Deputy chief minister Md Mahmood Ali, who holds the revenue portfolio, said that the government has not considered convening a meeting to review the current situation in the state yet. "Why should we expect that the state will suffer another drought? Instead, let us pray for rains," he said.
Agriculture minister Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, however, admitted to the distress being faced by farmers. The state government, he said, was contemplating on calling on all farmers to go for a second crop, where in fresh sowing should be taken up in mid-September.
"The long dry spell in August has badly affected crops but the situation may improve if it rains in a couple days. Otherwise, second crop is the option," the agriculture minister said.
Meanwhile, the weather forecast for Telangana for the next week or so is not that encouraging. The dry spell is expected to continue at least till August 26 and only moderate rains are expected towards the end of this month.
"The dry spell will continue for a week and there are no indications of good rains thereafter either. A moderate rainfall is expected in the peninsular area in September," said Y V Rama Rao, consultant (weather forecast) of Telangana State Development Planning Society.
The state received good rains in July but entered into a dry spell in August. Against a normal of 176 mm rainfall, rain recorded across the districts in Telangana is a dismal 2.2 mm this month so far.
Enthused by a good monsoon forecast, farmers started sowing for kharif crops in June. Maize was sown in over 13.90 lakh acres and soy bean in over 7.36 lakh acres. Although, there was less activity in cultivating cotton and paddy, over 10 lakh acres are currently under these two crops in Telangana.