Kharif crop losses likely to touch ₹20,000 crore in Telangana | Hyderabad News

Hyderabad: Telangana’s kharif crop losses are estimated at ₹20,000 crore, mainly in paddy and cotton, while rabi cultivation could shrink to 70 lakh acres from the normal 1.3 crore acres amid continuing rainfall deficit, according to Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agriculture University (PJTAU).The university estimated kharif losses after factoring in a 25% decline in cropped area, damage to standing crops due to deficient rainfall and losses from land left uncultivated.“Losses are higher in cotton because it is largely a cotton-growing area,” vice-chancellor Aldas Janaiah said.With rainfall concerns extending into the rabi season, which depends on the northeast monsoon from October, the university expects the cultivated area to nearly halve from normal levels.“Rabi generally covers around 1.3 crore acres, including about 60 lakh acres under paddy. Paddy area is expected to decline by at least 40%, and we anticipate total cultivation coming down to around 70 lakh acres,” Janaiah said.Officials said similar situations had occurred in previous seasons, but crop diversification had reached nearly 30% this time, the highest level recorded. Chief secretary Sanjay Jaju held 12 review meetings with officials on the El Niño scenario and ensured farmers were informed about the need to shift towards crops requiring less water, officials said.Varsity authorities have advised farmers to adopt a loss-minimisation approach rather than sow crops without adequate water assurance. They said farmers should assess available soil moisture and water resources before investing in seeds, fertilizer and other inputs.“Farmers must assess whether a crop can be grown successfully and yield returns before investing in it. If a crop cannot be sustained, avoiding cultivation can minimise losses. Income losses should not push farmers into debt,” Janaiah said.Officials have encouraged farmers to consider pulses and green manure crops, which require fewer resources and can improve soil health. The advice comes amid concerns that sowing water-intensive crops without sufficient rainfall or irrigation could leave farmers with additional expenditure and little chance of recovering their investment.PJTAU’s separate El Niño assessment gives projected combined kharif and rabi paddy production of 198–219 lakh metric tonnes, depending on water availability.