Hyderabad, 18 October
Drought-Like Conditions in 315 Telangana Mandals, Agriculture Minister Seeks Central Aid
Drought-like conditions have affected 315 mandals across Telangana due to a rainfall deficit and the impact of El Niño, State Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao said on Saturday, October 17.
The minister raised the issue during a video conference with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, seeking immediate assistance from the Centre to support farmers and address the developing agricultural situation. Drought-Like Conditions in 315 Telangana Mandals- Minister
According to an official release, the Telangana government has directed officials to assess standing crops, conserve available water and ensure the supply of irrigation water and electricity until the harvest.
Telangana Seeks Immediate Central Assistance
Tummala Nageswara Rao urged the Union government to provide immediate financial assistance to help the state respond to the drought-like conditions.
He stressed the need to protect standing crops and support farmers facing the effects of insufficient rainfall. The state has instructed officials to monitor crop conditions and take steps to use available water resources efficiently. Telangana Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao says 315 mandals face drought-like conditions and seeks Central aid, MSP procurement and water conservation funds.
Ensuring irrigation water and electricity supplies through the harvest period was also identified as a priority.
Minister Seeks MSP Procurement for Major Crops
The minister called on the Centre to procure major agricultural commodities, including maize, jowar, pulses and oilseeds, at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
He also requested the removal of the 25 per cent procurement limit under the Price Support Scheme (PSS), arguing for greater procurement support for farmers. Drought-Like Conditions in 315 Telangana Mandals- Minister
MSP procurement is intended to provide eligible farmers with a government-backed price for notified crops. Any changes to procurement limits or allocations would depend on decisions by the Union government. Drought-Like Conditions in 315 Telangana Mandals Minister.
More Funds Requested for Water Conservation
The Telangana minister also sought an increase in funding under VB-G RAM G, with priority given to agricultural and water conservation works.
He specifically highlighted activities such as digging farm ponds and implementing water conservation measures to improve water availability for agricultural use.
Such works could help farmers conserve rainfall and manage limited water resources during periods of inadequate precipitation. Telangana Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao says 315 mandals face drought-like conditions and seeks Central aid, MSP procurement and water conservation funds.
Minister Calls for Fertiliser Subsidy Reforms
Rao also raised concerns about extensive urea consumption, which he attributed partly to the existing price subsidy structure. Drought-Like Conditions in 315 Telangana Mandals -Minister.
He urged the Centre to rationalise fertiliser prices and subsidies while ensuring that farmers do not face an additional financial burden.
The request highlights the challenge of balancing fertiliser use, subsidy expenditure and farmers’ production costs.
Crop Assessment and Farmer Support Remain Priorities
The state government’s immediate priorities include assessing crop losses or stress, conserving available water and maintaining irrigation and electricity supplies until harvesting is completed.
The impact of the rainfall deficit and the measures required to assist affected farmers will depend on crop conditions and water availability across the state. Telangana Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao says 315 mandals face drought-like conditions and seeks Central aid, MSP procurement and water conservation funds. Drought-Like Conditions in 315 Telangana Mandals- Minister
The Centre’s response to Telangana’s requests for financial support, expanded MSP procurement and additional funding for water conservation is awaited.
This report is based on the details provided and statements attributed to the Telangana Agriculture Minister and an official release.