Prepare proposals for drought-affected mandals, use multiple indicators to estimate severity: Telangana Agriculture Minister

Telangana Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao said farmers would benefit if crops notified by MSPs were 100% procured by the Centre. Image is for representational purposes only. | Photo credit: MOHD ARIF

A day after the 2026 southwest monsoon ended in Telangana, Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao directed officials to prepare proposals for drought-affected mandals in coordination with revenue department officials keeping in view the prevailing rain conditions.

In a meeting with the officials of Marketing Federation and Telangana State Co-Operative Oilseeds Growers Federation Ltd in Hyderabad on Thursday (October 1, 2026), the minister discussed the impact of El Nino, indicators to be taken into account to estimate the severity of drought, measures needed to provide financial assistance to farmers and other aspects.

Indicators for estimating drought severity

He said rainfall, extent of cultivated area, soil moisture, reservoir levels, groundwater levels and other key indicators need to be taken into account to identify drought conditions and their severity. In addition, field visits should be conducted whenever necessary.

Mr. Rao demanded that the Center procure 100% Minimum Support Price (MSP) of the notified crop in view of El Nino conditions, which would benefit the farmers. The responsibility of the center does not end with the notification of the marine spatial planning or its increase, but must ensure that all farmers receive them.

The state recorded a 17% rainfall deficit in this year’s southwest monsoon. According to a Telangana Development Planning Society (TGDPS) report, out of 33 districts in the state, 15 have been classified as normal rainfall and 18 have been classified as deficient. One mandal was in the high surplus category, 36 were in the exceedance category, 259 were normal, 320 were deficient and five were severely deficient.

Published – 1 October 2026 15:19 IST