Officials said they were working in mission mode to deal with the potential impact of El Nino

Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao chairs a review meeting on the contingency plan to combat El Nino in Karimnagar on Sunday. | Photo credit: negotiable

Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao on Sunday asked the official machinery to work in mission mode to mitigate the impact of the impending El Nino-induced rainfall deficit on agriculture and other sectors.

While chairing a review meeting on the emergency plan for the erstwhile Karimnagar district in Karimnagar, he emphasized on timely implementation of emergency measures, promotion of drought resistant crops and other suitable alternative crops, water conservation and farmer awareness programs to protect livelihoods.

The meeting, which was attended by Ministers D. Sridhar Babu, Ponnam Prabhakar and Adluri Laxman Kumar, besides Collectors of Karimnagar, Rajanna Sircilla, Peddapalli and Jagtial, reviewed the rainfall trends and specific preparedness of individual areas.

Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao chairs a review meeting on the contingency plan to combat El Nino in Karimnagar on Sunday. | Photo credit: negotiable

Mr. Rao called for coordinated action by the Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, Ground Water and allied departments with awareness campaigns through Gram Sabhas and Rythu Vedikas involving all stakeholders.

Mr. Sridhar Babu said that the state government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to deal with the rainfall deficit and directed the officials to ensure uninterrupted supply of drinking water.

Urging the Center to provide special assistance to Telangana, Mr. Prabhakar suggested that the pond farm should be a mass rainwater harvesting initiative.

Mr. Laxman Kumar called for concerted efforts to address the challenge on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The meeting also discussed immediate and long-term measures, including supporting farmers to switch from rice to oil palm and other drought-resistant crops.

Korutla MLA Dr. K. Sanjay sought immediate release of water from Kannepalli pump station to canals to solve the water woes of farmers in Jagtial district.

Karimnagar Mayor K. Srinivas urged the government to release 2 tmc of water from Yellampalli reservoir to fill Lower Manair Dam and avert drinking water shortage.

Among others present were Special Chief Secretary Benhur Mahesh Dutt Ekka, Special Officer for erstwhile Karimnagar District and Secretary Agriculture and Cooperation Department K. Surendra Mohan.

Published – 19 July 2026 20:45 IST