Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 8 hrs ago
Farm scientists urge paddy crop holiday as El Niño threatens water supplies
Farm scientists have urged farmers in the State to avoid paddy cultivation because severe El Niño conditions are expected to worsen water shortages.
They recommended growing vegetables, pulses, oilseeds and other crops that need less water instead.
Officials said the State has received less rain than expected, and inflows into the Krishna and Godavari river basins are also below expectations.
The government plans to give drinking water priority over farm use for the next 10 months.
Officials warned that rainfall may remain limited until mid-next year and that temperatures could rise further in November and December.
The government says it will take steps to limit farmers’ losses, including supplying seeds for some alternative crops at subsidised prices.
It plans to hold an emergency Cabinet meeting and set up State and district teams to track conditions and issue guidance.
Farm scientists have urged a crop holiday for paddy as El Niño threatens water supplies.
They recommended shifting to vegetables and crops that need less water, including pulses and oilseeds.
State officials said drinking-water supplies would take priority over irrigation amid low reservoir inflows and a rainfall deficit.
The Deputy Chief Minister said El Niño’s impact could peak by December and conditions could continue until 2027.
Officials also advised farmers against paddy and cotton cultivation during the Rabi season.
- Who
- Farm scientists advised farmers to avoid paddy cultivation. State officials also addressed farmers.
- What
- Scientists urged a paddy crop holiday and a shift to crops requiring less water.
- When
- The advice was given during a government video conference on Monday; the article was published on October 12, 2026.
- Where
- The State; the article does not name it directly.
- Why
- El Niño is expected to worsen water shortages, and the State has recorded a rainfall deficit and low river-basin inflows.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The State recorded a rainfall deficit of approximately 20 per cent compared with the previous monsoon season.
Farm scientists made crop recommendations during a government video conference with stakeholders.
The Deputy Chief Minister said El Niño’s impact was likely to reach its peak.
The Deputy Chief Minister said such conditions could continue.
- Rainfall deficit
- Approximately 20 per cent compared with the previous monsoon season
- Krishna basin inflows
- 80 TMC, against an expected 270 TMC
- Godavari basin inflows
- 100 TMC, compared with 150 TMC
- Drinking-water priority
- Water resources to be prioritised for drinking needs over the next 10 months
- Electricity generation
- Around 25% of last year’s level
What people are saying
extremely judiciously
Sources
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