Telangana farmers face crop risks from power cuts and drought

Farmers in Telangana, particularly in the Adilabad district, are struggling to protect crops due to a combination of irregular electricity supplies and drought conditions. Frequent power outages have disrupted irrigation systems, forcing many farmers to rent generators to operate water pumps. This reliance on rented equipment and fuel has increased operational expenses, placing a heavy financial burden on small and marginal farmers.

In Adilabad, high temperatures and a prolonged dry spell linked to the El Niño effect are threatening standing cotton crops. To combat these conditions, some farmers are utilizing sprinklers, drip irrigation, or lifting water from canals and groundwater. While a potential fall in cotton yield is expected this Kharif season, some reports suggest that reduced yields might lead to market prices exceeding the Minimum Support Price (MSP). However, irrigation officials are currently prioritizing water storage for drinking needs, complicating access for agricultural use.