Telangana, which set a record in food grain production over the past ten years, has witnessed a significant drop in cultivation this season. Reports indicate that the sown area has decreased by 15.30 lakh acres compared to last year.
This decline is attributed to the Congress government’s perceived apathy towards farmers. Key factors include a lack of timely investment support through the Rythu Bharosa scheme, delays in the crop loan waiver, insufficient water in tanks and reservoirs, and delayed filling of water bodies. The Agriculture Department had projected 1.34 crore acres for cultivation this monsoon season, with 66 lakh acres dedicated to paddy and 60 lakh acres to cotton. However, current cultivation levels are far below expectations.
Statistics from the Agriculture Department show a marked decline in paddy and cotton cultivation. While last year’s monsoon season saw crops covering 99.89 lakh acres, this year, only 84.59 lakh acres have been sown so far, reflecting a decrease of 15.30 lakh acres. Paddy cultivation has seen a particularly sharp drop, with only 25.58 lakh acres sown this year compared to 34.37 lakh acres during the same period last year—a reduction of 8.79 lakh acres. This shortfall makes it unlikely that the planned 66 lakh acres of paddy will be cultivated this season.
Adding to the challenges, the government’s decision to offer a bonus of Rs. 500 per quintal for fine rice (Sanna Biyyam) varieties has raised concerns. Farmers are questioning the delay in announcing the eligible rice varieties, leading to confusion and suspicion.
Cotton cultivation has also failed to meet expectations. Last year, 44.32 lakh acres were under cotton cultivation at this time, but this year it has decreased to 41.65 lakh acres—a reduction of 2.67 lakh acres. The goal was to increase cotton cultivation to 60 lakh acres, potentially reaching 70 lakh acres. However, the failure to provide necessary seeds to farmers in a timely manner has hindered this effort. Other crops, like maize, sorghum, and soybean, have also seen declines of 93,635 acres, 35,176 acres, and 72,744 acres, respectively.
Additionally, the water level in tanks is declining at an alarming rate. The state has a total of 34,716 ponds and tanks. Recent rains have caused 3,247 of them to overflow, while 6,735 are now full. Another 3,438 ponds have reached between 50% to 75% of their water storage capacity. However, 6,165 ponds have filled to only 25% to 50% of their capacity, and in 15,131 ponds, water levels remain below 25%. Overall, 61.84 percent of the ponds across the state still hold less than 50% of their capacity.
The agriculture sector, which thrived during KCR’s tenure, is now seeing a downward turn, apparently due to the inefficiency and incompetence of the Congress government.