Poor rains this monsoon bleed farmers, power utilities
Erratic monsoon rainfall and El Nino conditions have severely impacted Telangana's agriculture and power sectors, leading to the lowest Kharif crop cultivation since 2022. Power utilities are struggling with reduced hydel generation and are forced to purchase expensive spot power to meet demand.
Why it matters
The situation underscores the vulnerability of regional food security and energy stability to climate-driven weather volatility.
El Nino conditions and erratic rainfall have badly affected the agriculture and energy sectors in Telangana this year, with farmers staring at an investment loss due to standing crops being impacted by lack of water for irrigation and problems in power supply. As a result, power utilities are forced to go for spot purchases of energy to the tune of at least 30 to 50 million units every day.
Though the rainfall recorded during the monsoon period, from June 1 to September 30, is ‘normal’ technically with the average deficit of 17% (deficit up to 19% is considered normal by the Met standards), its uneven spread has caused heavy damage to standing crops, and water bodies by not ensuring sufficient inflows, power generation and depletion of groundwater.
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