The heavy to extremely heavy rainfall that occurred across the State from July 15 to 31 has helped cultivation of Vanakalam (kharif) crops gain momentum although the rains have left adverse impact too in the form of flooding/washing away of crop, sand/mud silting and inundation, mostly in northern Telangana that has borne the brunt of the flood.
Except the crop that was completely washed away or silted, the remaining affected extent has the chance of revival once the water logged in fields is drained/dried out. Agriculture scientists have issued an advisory on measures to be taken for faster revival of affected crop.
Although the administration, agriculture and revenue departments are yet to figure out the extent of damage caused by the rains and flood, unofficial estimates put the damage around 20 lakh acres with about 80% it standing a chance of revival. According to Director (Research) of PJTSAU P. Raghurami Reddy, the time for cotton sowing is already over but medium and short-duration varieties of maize, red gram and sunflower besides paddy could still be cultivated.
