Telangana Declares 365 Mandals Drought-Hit, Announces Relief Measures for Farmers
Hyderabad, 28 October
The Telangana government has declared 365 mandals across 31 districts as drought-affected for the Kharif 2026 season, following below-normal rainfall and a decline in paddy cultivation. According to the government order (GO), 111 mandals have been classified under severe drought and 254 under moderate drought.
The declaration, issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, calls for relief measures to support affected farmers and communities. The government has directed district authorities to take steps to provide agricultural input subsidies, improve drinking water availability, arrange fodder for livestock and generate employment in drought-affected areas. Telangana Declares 365 Mandals Drought-Hit, Announces Relief Measures for Farmers. Telangana Declares 365 Mandals Drought-Hit, Announces Relief Measures for Farmers.
The notification will remain in force for six months unless withdrawn earlier.
Telangana Records 17% Rainfall Deficit
Telangana received a cumulative rainfall of 615.5 mm between June 1 and September 30, 2026, against the normal rainfall of 740.6 mm, according to the government order.
The rainfall shortfall of approximately 17% has raised concerns about agricultural activity and water availability across the state. The government has identified drought-affected mandals based on its assessment for the Kharif season.
The State Drought Monitoring Cell will continue monitoring mandals that have not yet been included in the notification. Additional mandals may be considered for inclusion depending on subsequent assessments.
Paddy Cultivation Area Falls by 18%
The area under paddy cultivation in Telangana has declined by 18%, falling from 69.19 lakh acres to 57 lakh acres, according to the details cited in the government order.
The reduction comes amid concerns over rainfall shortages and water availability during the Kharif 2026 season. The drought declaration is intended to facilitate relief measures for affected agricultural communities. Telangana Declares 365 Mandals Drought-Hit, Announces Relief Measures for Farmers.
Water storage levels have also drawn attention. The live storage in major and medium reservoirs across Telangana stands at 179.63 thousand million cubic feet (TMC), compared with their combined capacity of 585 TMC.
The available reservoir storage highlights the importance of monitoring water resources and ensuring adequate supplies for drinking water and other essential needs in affected areas. Telangana Declares 365 Mandals Drought-Hit, Announces Relief Measures for Farmers.
Government Directs Districts to Initiate Drought Relief
The Telangana government has instructed district authorities to initiate relief measures in drought-affected mandals. The measures include support for farmers, drinking water arrangements, livestock protection and employment generation.
The major measures outlined in the government order include:
- Agricultural input subsidy: Financial assistance to eligible farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- Drinking water supply: Steps to augment drinking water availability in affected areas.
- Fodder arrangements: Measures to ensure fodder availability for livestock.
- Cattle camps: Arrangements to support cattle in drought-affected areas.
- Employment generation: Creation of employment opportunities under the VB-G RAM G programme.
The implementation of these measures will depend on the applicable government guidelines and administrative arrangements.
Agricultural Subsidies to Be Disbursed Through DBT
The Agriculture and Cooperation Department has been directed to disburse agricultural input subsidies to eligible affected farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer. Telangana Declares 365 Mandals Drought-Hit, Announces Relief Measures for Farmers.
According to the government order, the subsidy is to be disbursed within one month of receiving Central assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
The assistance is intended to help eligible farmers manage the impact of drought-related agricultural losses. The amount payable and the eligibility of individual beneficiaries will depend on the applicable relief guidelines and official assessments.
Farmers are advised to follow announcements from their respective district administrations for details about applications, eligibility and the distribution of assistance.
Government to Address Agricultural Loan Recovery
The government has also directed District Collectors to coordinate with the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) on restructuring agricultural credit and preventing coercive loan recovery in accordance with applicable directions.
The measure is aimed at addressing financial difficulties faced by farmers in drought-affected areas. Further details about the implementation of loan-related relief will depend on the instructions issued to the concerned authorities and banks.
Beneficiary Lists to Be Published Online
The lists of eligible beneficiaries will be published on the websites of the respective District Collectors and the Telangana state government. Telangana Declares 365 Mandals Drought-Hit, Announces Relief Measures for Farmers.
Farmers should refer to official government notifications to confirm whether their mandal has been included in the drought declaration and to check the procedures for accessing relief.
Read also: Check the official government notification for the complete list of drought-affected mandals in Telangana.
Editorial note: Insert the verified official Government Order or mandal-list link here before publication.
The government may update the list of affected mandals following further monitoring by the State Drought Monitoring Cell. The current notification will remain valid for six months unless it is withdrawn earlier.
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