The delay in the onset of south-west monsoon over Telangana has not only affected the sowing operations of Kharif (Vanakalam) season but has also impacted the State government’s plans to advance the next crop season, Rabi (Yasangi), at least by 3-4 weeks to prevent the extensive crop damage being caused by untimely rains almost every year.
Sowing operations have not taken off in any of the 32 rural districts on a regular scale and they have been in negligible area so far with some farmers taking to sowing here and there, where early showers were received. Sowing of Kharif crops was taken up in about 8.75 lakh acres by June 17 last year with the timely arrival of monsoon rains.
According to officials, average rainfall recorded in the State from June 1 to 18, this monsoon period, has been only 14.5 mm against the normal of 71.7 mm and the large deficit running up to 80%. Only Vikarabad district has recorded normal rainfall technically so far, an average of 52.8 mm against the normal of 60.8 mm, and it still has a deficit of 13%. The remaining 31 rural districts have rainfall deficit ranging from 25% (Narayanpet) to 96% (Rajanna-Sircilla).
