El Nino impact: farm scientists call for crop holiday to paddy

As the State prepares itself for water shortages due to the severe El Nino, agriculture scientists have recommended declaration of a crop holiday, especially for paddy, and instead take steps to expand vegetable cultivation.They advised farmers to cultivate crops that require less water, given the extremely limited availability of water due to El Niño. Cultivation of four types of pulses — green gram, black gram, chickpea and groundnut — along with oilseed crops such as sunflower, sesame and safflower, which require less water - could be taken up.The farm scientists gave their suggestion during a video conference conducted by the government on Monday with all stakeholders. Farmers were advised to use water and energy resources “extremely judiciously” keeping in view the severity of the El Nino phenomenon.Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju and others addressed the farmers through the video conference..Mr. Bhatti Vikramarka said the impact of El Niño was likely to reach its peak by December and such conditions could continue until 2027. While several countries were expected to face difficulties, there would not be any indications of rainfall till mid next year.In view of this, the available water resources should be reserved exclusively for drinking-water needs. All the departments should join hands in addressing drinking-water shortages, potential food-grain scarcity, and the provision of fodder and water for livestock.The government on its part would not encourage measures that could cause losses to farmers under any circumstances and was taking steps to minimise crop losses.Mr. Nageswara Rao advised farmers against opting for paddy and cotton cultivation during Rabi season. Instead, they could go for rain-fed crops and short-duration crops for which seeds would be supplied at subsidised prices.An emergency Cabinet meeting would be convened to discuss the El Niño situation and the possibility of taking a high-level delegation to the Centre.The Chief Secretary said the State had recorded a rainfall deficit of approximately 20 per cent compared with the previous monsoon season. Inflows into the Krishna basin stood at only 80 TMC, against the expected 270 TMC, while the Godavari basin had received only 100 TMC, compared with 150 TMC.As there was little scope to supply water for farming, it was decided to give highest priority to ensuring drinking-water supplies over the next 10 months. Special war rooms would be established at the State and district levels to continuously assess El Niño conditions and issue appropriate guidelines. In addition, works under the VB-G RAM G scheme (rural employment guarantee programme) were being undertaken on a large scale to tackle drought-like conditions.Meteorological Department official Dr. Sravanthi stated that the impact of El Niño was causing not only deficient rainfall but also a significant rise in temperatures. Conditions could become more concerning during November and December. The upcoming northeast monsoon was unlikely to have a significant impact on improving the situation.Energy Special Chief Secretary Naveen Mittal said given the nationwide impact of El Niño, electricity was not readily available for purchase from other sources. Due to insufficient water in the State’s reservoirs, electricity generation this year was only around 25% of the level recorded last year. Published - October 12, 2026 08:29 pm IST