Hyderabad: Irrigation and civil supplies minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Friday appealed to farmers to remain cautious about the possible challenges posed by the El Nino effect and plan their crops carefully by using water judiciously during the current kharif season. Addressing farmers at a series of official programmes during his tour of Suryapet district, the minister said agriculture in Telangana has become a “festive activity” under the Congress govt. He said the state has witnessed a record paddy production and large-scale procurement, while the govt is continuing to provide ₹500 bonus per quintal for seven specified varieties of paddy.“These steps will help improve farmers’ livelihoods. However, farmers should be wary of the impact of El Niño on rainfall across many parts of the country. They should stay alert and adjust their farming methods based on changing weather conditions. The southwest monsoon has weakened due to El Nino effect. India received about 40% less rainfall in June 2026, making it one of the driest in many years,” Uttam said.
