Facing severe rainfall deficits and El Niño impacts, Telangana has released the 'Vanakalam 2026' contingency plan to safeguard agriculture and manage depleting reservoir levels.

Key Takeaways

  • Groundwater levels have declined significantly across 18 districts in Telangana.
  • Major reservoirs are nearing their Minimum Draw Down Level (MDDL), threatening irrigation.
  • The state has launched the 'El Niño Contingency Plan Vanakalam 2026'.
  • Farmers are advised to shift to drought-tolerant and short-duration crops.

Telangana is grappling with a looming agricultural crisis as groundwater levels have plummeted in 18 districts. The decline, observed during June 2026, is a direct consequence of a significant rainfall deficit and the adverse onset of the El Niño phenomenon. According to recent data, only five districts in the state recorded normal rainfall between June 1 and July 14, leaving 27 districts in a deficit zone. To mitigate the impact on the Kharif (Vanakalam) season, State Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao has officially released the 'El Niño Contingency Plan Vanakalam 2026'.

Critical Depletion of Water Resources

The state's irrigation infrastructure is under immense pressure. Most major, medium, and minor reservoirs are currently operating at or very close to their Minimum Draw Down Level (MDDL). The storage situation in the Godavari basin is particularly alarming, with only 27.69 TMC of utilizable storage remaining, while the Krishna basin holds a meager 14.81 TMC. Authorities have warned that the current live storage is primarily sufficient for drinking water supplies, leaving very little scope for irrigation unless significant inflows are received during the remainder of the monsoon.

Strategic Shifts for Farmers

The contingency plan, developed in collaboration with ICAR-CRIDA and State Agricultural Universities, provides a roadmap for survival in a water-scarce environment. Key advisories for the farming community include:

  • Crop Diversification: Moving away from water-intensive crops toward pulses, oilseeds, and millets.
  • Drought Resistance: Opting for short-duration and drought-tolerant crop varieties to minimize risk.
  • Resource Management: Implementing rainwater harvesting and efficient soil moisture conservation techniques.
  • Weather Vigilance: Regularly monitoring advisories from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The El Niño Factor and Climate Volatility

Agriculture in Telangana is intrinsically tied to the southwest monsoon, which provides nearly 80% of the state's annual precipitation. The current climate variability—characterized by delayed monsoons and uneven rainfall distribution—is typical of El Niño years. With rainfall predicted to remain at a low 30% through August 2026, the state is bracing for a challenging season where spatial variability may lead to localized droughts in both northern and southern zones.