Officials told to work in mission mode to tackle potential impact of El Nino

Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao on Sunday asked the official machinery to work in mission mode to mitigate the impact of the looming El Nino-induced rainfall deficit on agriculture and other sectors.

Chairing a review meeting on the contingency plan for the erstwhile Karimnagar district in Karimnagar, he stressed timely implementation of contingency measures, promotion of drought-tolerant and other suitable alternative crops, water conservation and farmer awareness programmes to safeguard livelihoods.

The meeting, attended by Ministers D. Sridhar Babu, Ponnam Prabhakar and Adluri Laxman Kumar, besides Collectors of Karimnagar, Rajanna Sircilla, Peddapalli and Jagtial districts, reviewed rainfall trends and district-specific preparedness.

Mr. Rao called for coordinated action by the Agriculture, Irrigation, Ground Water and allied departments with awareness campaigns through Gram Sabhas and Rythu Vedikas involving all stakeholders.

Mr. Sridhar Babu said the State government had adopted a multi-pronged  strategy to tackle the rainfall deficit and directed officials to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply.

Mr. Prabhakar urged the Centre to provide special assistance to Telangana and suggested taking up farm ponds as a mass rainwater harvesting initiative.

Mr. Laxman Kumar called for united efforts to tackle the challenge on the lines of the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

The meeting also discussed immediate and long-term measures, including encouraging farmers to shift from paddy to oil palm and other drought-resilient crops.

Korutla MLA Dr. K. Sanjay sought immediate release of water from the Kannepalli pumphouse into canals to address the water woes of farmers in Jagtial district.

Karimnagar Mayor K. Srinivas urged the government to release 2 tmc water from the Yellampalli reservoir to fill the Lower Manair Dam and avert a drinking water shortage.

Special Chief Secretary Benhur Mahesh Dutt Ekka, the Special Officer for erstwhile Karimnagar district, and Secretary, Agriculture & Co-operation Department, K. Surendra Mohan among others were present.