Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Karimnagar Cotton Farmers Hope Monsoon Rains Revive Wilting Crops
Cotton plants in Karimnagar are struggling because there has not been enough rain.
The dry weather slowed the plants’ early growth and has made some crops wilt.
Farmers say cotton in red soil is doing worse than cotton in black soil.
They hope rain from the northeast monsoon will help the plants recover.
One farmer said his cotton and paddy crops both lack enough water, even though he has a farm well.
He has spent more than Rs 30,000 per acre on cotton and is worried about getting that money back.
Farmers fear cotton harvests could be about half as large if the dry weather continues.
Another farmer said two spells of rain could help the crop survive.
About 46,000 acres in Karimnagar district have been planted with cotton, the district’s second-largest crop after paddy.
Farmers report that a prolonged dry spell has delayed seedling germination and weakened cotton growth.
Cotton grown in red soils is in poorer condition than cotton grown in black soils, according to farmers.
Farmers fear yields could fall by around 50 percent if dry conditions continue.
Two farmers say rainfall is needed to protect crops, with one calling for rain every 10–15 days until Diwali.
- Who
- Cotton farmers in Karimnagar district, including Ujjagiri Gangaiah and Manda Rajamallaiah.
- What
- Farmers are waiting for rain to ease dry conditions and revive struggling cotton crops.
- When
- During the Kharif season; farmers are hoping for rain from the northeast monsoon.
- Where
- Karimnagar district, Telangana, including Ramadugu and Karimnagar Rural mandals.
- Why
- A prolonged rainfall deficit and high temperatures have reduced soil moisture and affected crop growth.
Concern about crop losses
Hope for recovery
Cotton crop prospects
Concern about crop losses
Farmers say dry conditions have delayed germination and weakened crop growth; they fear yields could fall by around 50 percent if the dry spell continues.
Hope for recovery
Farmers hope northeast monsoon rains will improve crop growth; Rajamallaiah said the crop could survive if there are two spells of rain.
- Cotton area
- About 46,000 acres in Karimnagar district
- Crop ranking
- Cotton is the district’s second-largest crop after paddy
- Yield concern
- Farmers fear yields could decline by around 50 percent if dry conditions continue
- Gangaiah’s cotton acreage
- Four acres, alongside three acres of paddy
- Reported cultivation cost
- Gangaiah said he spent more than Rs 30,000 per acre on cotton
- Rainfall hoped for
- Gangaiah said rain every 10–15 days until Diwali was needed; Rajamallaiah hoped two spells would help the crop survive