Avoid water-intensive crops to avoid financial distress, Telangana MP urges farmers
Bhongir MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy has urged farmers across Telangana to avoid sowing water-intensive crops amid the possibility of El Niño conditions, warning that inadequate water availability could push growers of paddy and similar crops into financial distress.
Government advisory and political backdrop
The MP said Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy had already alerted the public to the potential impact of El Niño and advised the farming community to take precautionary measures. He stressed that the weather phenomenon is not confined to Telangana and could affect agricultural outcomes across multiple regions globally. Criticising the Opposition for what he described as efforts to politicise the issue, he appealed for a unified approach focused on safeguarding livelihoods.
Call to shift away from water-heavy crops
Emphasising that farmers would be among the first to bear the consequences of El Niño-linked disruptions, Mr. Reddy appealed to cultivators not to be misled by political rhetoric and to heed the Chief Minister’s guidance. He specifically urged farmers to opt for crops that require less water during the upcoming cultivation cycles.
According to him, those who proceed with paddy and other water-intensive crops could face heightened financial risks if irrigation supplies fall short at critical stages of the crop cycle. He noted that prudent crop choices now could help mitigate losses should rainfall or reservoir levels be lower than expected.
Impact on power supply underscores resource constraints
Mr. Reddy also underlined the wider implications of water scarcity beyond agriculture. Natural disasters and climatic phenomena such as El Niño are beyond the control of any government, he observed, adding that shortfalls in water availability can also affect electricity generation. He pointed out that the State has reached a position where it can supply 20,000 MW of power, and said this achievement reinforces the need for careful and coordinated management of available water resources to support both farm operations and the power sector.
Appeal for caution and cooperation
Reiterating his message, the MP urged farmers to plan conservatively in anticipation of possible El Niño conditions and to choose cropping patterns that reduce exposure to water risk. He maintained that aligning with the State government’s advisories would be crucial for minimising potential financial strain on households dependent on agriculture.
Why it matters
Mr. Reddy’s caution reflects concerns that any substantial deviation from normal weather patterns could disrupt irrigation schedules, lower yields and strain farm finances—pressures that may be amplified in regions where paddy and other high-water crops dominate. While the ultimate trajectory of the weather remains uncertain, his remarks signal an effort to prepare the agricultural sector for contingencies and to prioritise efficient use of water across interconnected systems such as irrigation and electricity generation.
Published: October 16, 2026
