ADILABAD: Farmers in the erstwhile Adilabad district have urged the Telangana government to declare the region drought-hit and consider relief measures, including the release of Rythu Bharosa assistance, citing deficient rainfall, declining crop yields and reduced flows in the Penganga and Godavari rivers. With river flows reduced, cultivators in several mandals are depending on groundwater to save their kharif crops.
Farmers attribute the reduced flow in rivers to scanty rainfall in the upper reaches of Maharashtra. They allege that climatic conditions are similar on both sides of the border, but Maharashtra has declared drought in its border districts. The farmers want Telangana to take similar measures to address their distress.
Although farmers managed to sow seeds and achieve germination in a single attempt this kharif season, many are now facing lower-than-expected yields.
Arjune Swaroop, a farmer from Thosam village in Gudihathnoor mandal, said he expected eight to 10 quintals of soybean per acre from his 10-acre farm but was likely to harvest only about five quintals per acrel.
Another farmer, Dasthagiri, said tomato yields from his farm were below expectations. Agriculture department officials, however, said field surveys had not indicated drought conditions. They said the government considers rainfall, groundwater levels, and agriculture data before declare a region drought-hit.