Experts are warning that the significant expansion of paddy cultivation in Telangana is pushing the state towards a severe water crisis and environmental challenges. The additional paddy area brought under cultivation over the past 10 years alone requires an estimated 138-173 tmc of irrigation water annually.
Agricultural scientist GV Ramanjaneyulu, in his analysis 'From Pump to Plate: Rice, Water, Power and Telangana’s Road to Water Bankruptcy', examined the interconnected impact of paddy cultivation on water resources, electricity consumption, rice consumption patterns, exports, and greenhouse gas emissions.
The study estimates that paddy cultivation contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. For every paddy crop, emissions are estimated at 2.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per acre. Cultivating paddy twice a year on the same acre could push annual emissions to 5.6 tonnes.
Flooded paddy fields release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Furthermore, the electricity required for pumping and lifting irrigation water adds to these emissions, exacerbating the environmental impact.
However, experts and activists have cautioned that asking farmers to abruptly shift away from paddy without adequate planning, incentives, and support could deepen rural distress, making a smooth transition crucial.
The increasing area under paddy cultivation in Telangana is placing immense pressure on the state's water resources and environment. Addressing this issue requires comprehensive strategies and support for farmers to transition to alternative crops.
