The Kharif (Vanakalam) operations in Telangana have faced challenges due to deficient rainfall in June. This has resulted in inadequate inflows into irrigation projects and lower-than-desired sowings under irrigation sources. However, the State government has prepared contingency plans to overcome the adverse seasonal conditions and manage irrigation projects cautiously.
The irrigation schedules for major projects are expected to be finalized within a fortnight after reviewing the status of inflows. The Agriculture Department has projected an optimistic outlook for Kharif crops, planning cultivation in over 1.4 crore acres and ensuring seed availability accordingly. To mitigate the impact of untimely rains that have damaged Yasangi crops, the Chief Minister has suggested advancing the Kharif schedule.
From June 1 to June 28, cumulative rainfall was severely below normal, with only six districts obtaining normal rainfall and other districts experiencing deficient rainfall ranging from -20% to -99%. However, the situation has improved since the previous week, and the monsoon is predicted to be active in the next two weeks, boosting Kharif sowings.
In terms of irrigation projects, the delayed monsoon is not projected to have a significant impact on the command area of the Nagarjuna Sagar Left Canal. The project would continue to release water till the end of July, supporting nearly 6.5 lakh acres of paddy crops in the districts of Nalgonda, Suryapet, and Khammam. The condition at the Srisailam project is not positive, since there have been insufficient inflows, hurting water drawls. However, the Palamuru Ranga Reddy Lift Scheme and the Kalwakurthy Project rely on project drawals to supply their water needs.
The Mid Manair project, Sripada Yellampalli, Sriramsagar, Nizam Sagar, Lower Manair, and Kaddam projects in the Godavari basin have relatively better storage than previous year, which can aid with season planning. With good inflows from the Godavari River, the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project is confident of properly supporting crops in the command area during Kharif.
The completion of irrigation schedules and a new review of state projects in the first week of July would provide a clearer picture and allow for more effective planning and management of Telangana’s Kharif season.
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