1 month ago
Bullock Demand Surges as Farmers Shift to Dry Crops
El Niño made it dry in Nalgonda, so farmers stopped growing rice and started growing crops that need less water.
These new crops need a different way to clear weeds, so farmers use bullocks with hoes instead of tractors.
Because bullocks are rare, many farmers have to pay a lot to hire them.
A pair of bullocks can clear weeds from three acres in a day, earning the owner about Rs 3,000.
The need for bullocks is expected to stay high for about two months.
El Niño has caused a rainfall deficit in Nalgonda, pushing farmers to switch from paddy to dry crops.
Dry crops require weed removal with bullock‑drawn hoes, not tractors.
Bullocks are scarce; farmers pay Rs 1,000 per acre for weed removal.
A bullock pair can clear weeds from three acres in a day, earning Rs 3,000 per day.
Demand for bullocks is expected to last about two months during the current crop season.
- Who
- Farmers in Nalgonda district, India
- What
- Increased demand for bullocks to weed dry crops
- Where
- Nalgonda district, Telangana, India
- When
- Current crop season, demand expected to last two months
- Why
- El Niño has caused rainfall deficit, prompting shift from paddy to dry crops
Key facts
- Demand Driver
- El Niño rainfall deficit
- Primary Crop Shift
- Paddy to cotton, red gram, chilli, jowar
- Bullock Rental Rate
- Rs 1,000 per acre
- Bullock Income
- Rs 3,000 per day
- Demand Duration
- Two months





