Telangana farmers shift to horticulture crops in Kharif
Farmers in Telangana are shifting from traditional crops to horticulture, such as flowers and spices, due to climate concerns and monsoon instability. The state government is supporting this transition by promoting export-oriented vegetable cultivation and cold storage infrastructure.
Why it matters
This shift highlights how climate change is forcing agricultural adaptation and influencing state-level economic policy in India.
Farmers in Telangana shifted their crop preferences during Kharif 2026, with the area under horticultural crops, particularly flowers, red chilli and other spices, registering significant increases. The shift comes amid concerns over the impact of El Niño on the southwest monsoon, deficient rainfall and irrigation stress.
The area under flower cultivation recorded the highest increase at 198%, followed by other spices at 192% and red chilli at 80%. The area under vegetable cultivation increased by 66%, while turmeric registered a 21% rise. In contrast, the area under fruit cultivation grew by just 1%.
It was learnt that the need to improve supply chain for vegetables export and cold storage units has come for discussion.
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