Rainfall deficit hampers Telangana Kharif sowing; paddy output under threat

Telangana’s Kharif sowing has fallen behind due to a 42% rainfall deficit and low reservoir levels. With just 36,300 acres of paddy sown against a 66 lakh-acre target, prospects for a robust Kharif harvest remain uncertain, especially for paddy

Hyderabad: Telangana’s Kharif sowing has suffered a setback this year, with only 29.9 lakh acres cultivated by the end of June, significantly lower than the 35.93 lakh acres sown during the same period last year.

The drop is largely attributed to a 42 per cent rainfall deficit, with the State recording just 56.3 mm of rain against the normal seasonal average of 97.06 mm.

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The scanty rainfall, combined with dipping reservoir levels and soaring temperatures, has slowed sowing and transplantation activities, especially for paddy, a crucial crop for Telangana. The normal Kharif sown area in the State stands at 132.44 lakh acres, with a target of 152 lakh acres set for 2025, including 66 lakh acres for paddy.

As of mid-June, sowing covered 19.16 lakh acres, marginally higher than the expected 19.14 lakh acres but well below last year’s 25.27 lakh acres at this time. Cotton led the way with 15.26 lakh acres, followed by soybean (1.04 lakh acres), red gram (50,574 acres), maize (48,766 acres), and paddy (36,300 acres).

While the Agriculture Department remains optimistic that sowing will pick up in July if monsoon conditions improve, the outlook remains cautious for now.

Paddy prospects uncertain

The challenges are particularly stark for paddy farmers. Telangana achieved a record 153 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of paddy in Kharif 2024, aided by a strategic shift towards fine paddy varieties, which made up 61 per cent of the cultivated area. Farmers were further incentivised with a Rs 500 per quintal bonus over the Minimum Support Price (MSP). However, delays in disbursing the Rabi 2025 bonus have affected farmer liquidity, potentially disrupting Kharif operations.

Irrigation concerns mount

Reservoir levels have also dropped significantly. As on date, the combined storage in the State’s reservoirs stands at 228.03 tmc, compared to 377.02 tmc at this time last year. The poor irrigation outlook has led many farmers to adopt a cautious ‘wait-and-see’ approach.

Of Telangana’s 33 districts, 30 have reported below-average rainfall, and 463 of 621 mandals are currently facing deficit conditions. Only three districts — Mahabubnagar, Wanaparthy, and Nagarkurnool — have received slightly above-normal rains. Meteorologists say the likelihood of adequate rainfall in the next two weeks is limited, although recovery is possible in July and August.

Unless monsoon activity picks up considerably, the State is likely to witness a significant drop in paddy output this season.

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Situation so far

• Kharif sowing to date (in 2025) covers only 29.9 lakh acres, down from 35.93 lakh acres by this time in 2024
• Paddy sowing lags at 36,300 acres against a 66 lakh-acre target due to poor rainfall
• Cotton dominates with 15.26 lakh acres, followed by soybean, red gram, maize
• Delayed MSP bonus payments for Rabi 2025 strain farmers’ Kharif preparations
• A 42% rainfall deficit and low reservoir levels raise fears of reduced paddy output