Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has appealed to the entire farming community in Telangana to desist from cultivating crops in the upcoming Rabi (Yasangi) season. This plea comes amid an intensified irrigation crisis due to significantly depleted water levels in all reservoirs across the Krishna and Godavari basins.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy stated that the available water resources in the reservoirs are not more than 200 TMC of water, a stark contrast to the 460 TMC available last year. He acknowledged the farmers' invaluable contribution to the country in providing food security since Independence.
Water storage in the Krishna basin is 72 percent less this year, while in the Godavari basin, it is 44 percent less, the Chief Minister revealed. These figures highlight the severe water scarcity currently facing the state.
The Chief Minister warned that farmers would face significant difficulties if they proceed with farming paddy and other water-intensive crops in the next farming season. This warning underscores the critical need for farmers to consider alternative strategies.
A Cabinet Sub-committee will convene to ascertain the losses and prepare an action plan soon to provide relief to distressed farmers, the Chief Minister announced. This initiative demonstrates the government's commitment to supporting the agricultural community.
By heeding this appeal, farmers in Telangana can potentially avoid future financial hardships. This measure is crucial for the conservation of water resources and for ensuring agricultural sustainability in the state.
