Floods and rains in Telangana damage Kharif crops in 20 lakh acres

04-Sep-2024 02:47 PM

Hyderabad. The recent heavy rains have caused massive destruction in Telangana. Due to floods and waterlogging in the fields, there are reports of heavy damage to Kharif crops in many districts of the state.

Although the initial report says that only about 4.15 lakh acres of Kharif crops have been damaged, experts say that crops have been damaged in at least 20 lakh acres.

The final figure of damage will be known only after the survey assessment work is completed. Officials fear a significant decrease in agricultural production in the state during the current Kharif season.

The areas of Telangana where floods and rains have caused the most havoc include Mulugu, Khammam, Nalgonda, Nagar Kurnool, Mahbubnagar, Hanamkonda, Bhadradri Kodagudem and Jangaon districts.

Initial assessment shows that paddy, cotton and maize crops have suffered the most damage due to the floods and rains.

Serious danger still remains for the cotton crop because the flowering process has started in its plants. If water remains in the fields for more days, the crop may get destroyed.

In Telangana, cotton has been cultivated in about 42.60 lakh acres during the current year. Agricultural experts say that if the rain continues further, the crop will suffer heavy damage.

It is known that the normal average area of ​​cotton for the current Kharif (Vanakalam) season in Telangana has been estimated at 50.40 lakh acres, whereas the actual area was 8 lakh acres less than this.

Not only this, but this year the production area of ​​Kharif crops in Telangana has also decreased to 110 lakh acres, which is 19 lakh acres less than the normal average area of ​​129 lakh acres.

This also includes paddy production area of ​​about 48 lakh acres and cotton sowing area of ​​42.6 lakh acres.

Apart from this, maize, pulses, oilseeds and spice crops are also cultivated there which are likely to be damaged due to heavy rains and floods.