There are twin reasons for farmers in Telangana to be watchful of amount of water used for cultivation in the ongoing Vanakalam (Kharif) season as the State Agriculture Department has said that reservoir levels in the State are concerning and predicted groundwater levels to plummet by August this year considering 30% deficit rainfall.
Besides, it stated prediction of below-normal rainfall as likely over many parts of the State in August, particularly over northern, central and eastern Telangana and below-normal rainfall as likely over most parts of the State in September.
The information is crucial as the expected area to be sown up to July 15, 2026, depending on rains is 48.35 lakh acres and relying on irrigation is 27.25 lakh acres.
Farmers are already experiencing the impact of the changes in weather conditions and groundwater levels. To reduce the risk of climate changes on agriculture, the department has released ‘El Niño Contingency Plan Vanakalam 2026’.
The average groundwater level in the State during June, 2026 is 9.46 metres below ground level (mbgl), compared to 9.47 mgbl in June, 2025. Taking into account the rainfall and assuming an overall 30% over rainfall deficit up to July 14, 2026, the average groundwater level in the State is predicted to be 10.35 mgbl in July and 11.01 mgbl in August.
The documents list district-wise information on the groundwater levels — which are predicted to fall gradually in July and August.
Telangana’s district-wise groundwater levels in June this and the previous year, and predictions for July and August 2026 | Photo Credit: BY ARRANGEMENT
Farmers were suggested to shift from high water-consuming crops, particularly paddy which needs stagnant water, to low water-consuming crops. The department has laid out a district-wise agriculture contingency plan in the document suggesting alternative crops that can be taken up to reduce impact of the blow. They were urged to adopt short duration and drought tolerant crops. Regular monitoring of weather forecast and advisories issued by weather agencies and the government was suggested to chart plans accordingly.
Officials were asked to promote micro-irrigation systems such as drip and sprinkler irrigation for efficient usage of water and conserve groundwater. To improve the water table, people were suggested to construct recharge pits, farm ponds and other groundwater recharge structures.
The department stated that majority of the irrigation reservoirs in the State are presently at, or very close to, their Minimum Draw Down Level (MDDL). Citing the utilizable storage in all projects in Godavari and Krishna basins, it said that the available live storage is sufficient for essential requirements such as drinking water and the scope for irrigation release for several reservoirs is constrained.
“The seasonal forecasts for the Godavari and Krishna basins also indicate below-normal rainfall over the upstream catchments — above Jayakwadi in the Godavari basin and above Almatti, Tungabhadra, and Ujjani in the Krishna basin. Consequently, whatever runoff generated during August is likely to be largely impounded in these upstream reservoirs to replenish their depleted storages. Unless a few major widespread storm events occur, the likelihood of which appears limited as per the current seasonal outlook, significant inflows into Telangana reservoirs are not expected in the immediate future,” as per the document.
Published - July 16, 2026 07:31 pm IST