Farmers in Telangana worried as rain forecast threatens harvest and procurement

Farmers in Telangana are growing increasingly anxious as weather forecasts predict showers and overcast conditions for the next four days. Many are in the midst of harvesting paddy, with large portions of their crops either in the open at harvest centers or undergoing drying.

Moderate rainfall is expected in several districts, including Nagarkurnool, Nalgonda, Suryapet, Khammam, and Bhadradri Kothagudem, due to the impact of Cyclone Fengal. This has heightened concerns among farmers about potential crop damage.

The paddy procurement process is nearing completion in major growing districts like Nizamabad and Nalgonda. However, it is still ongoing in areas with late transplantation, such as Khammam, Bhadradri Kothagudem, and Bhupalpally.

With a target of 91 lakh metric tonnes for the Kharif marketing season, the Civil Supplies Corporation has procured about 32 lakh metric tonnes so far, leaving approximately two-thirds of the target yet to be met. On average, each of the 33 districts has delivered around one lakh metric tonnes.

To assist farmers, the Civil Supplies Department has made arrangements for tarpaulins and transport to facilitate the swift delivery of stock from procurement centers to mills. Officials expect to procure an additional 20 to 25 lakh metric tonnes before the Minimum Support Price (MSP) operations conclude. Much of the paddy has already been purchased by private traders and millers.