Horticulture University VC calls for a ban on groundwater irrigation for paddy amid concerns over dwindling water resources in Telangana.
Hyderabad, India Jul 22, 2026 ALN: Hyderabad: As the ongoing kharif season progresses, the Telangana government faces increasing pressure to prohibit the use of groundwater for paddy cultivation. This comes in light of a significant push to encourage farmers to transition to irrigated dry crops, as surface irrigation has largely been ruled out. The call for action is particularly pressing given the alarming state of groundwater resources in the region, which has been a topic of concern for agricultural experts and policymakers alike.
Dr. Danda Raji Reddy, the vice-chancellor of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University, emphasized the urgency of this issue during a seminar titled ‘El Nino: From Pacific warming to Telangana preparedness’ organized by the state planning department at Ravindra Bharati. He stated, “This message must be sent,” urging the government to clearly communicate to farmers that they should not cultivate paddy on land irrigated with groundwater. The implications of continuing to allow groundwater use for paddy cultivation could have long-lasting effects on the region's water management and agricultural sustainability.
“It is critical to discourage paddy cultivation. This must be a unanimous decision. More importantly, paddy should definitely not be cultivated using borewell water. This message must be conveyed,” Dr. Raji Reddy reiterated. His comments reflect a growing consensus among agricultural scientists and environmentalists that paddy farming, which is water-intensive, is not suitable for regions facing water scarcity.
Recent high-level reviews by the government have highlighted alarming warnings from state groundwater management authorities, indicating that water-table levels are projected to decline significantly due to poor rainfall and minimal prospects for surface recharge. The situation is exacerbated by the effects of climate change, which have been linked to unpredictable weather patterns and prolonged dry spells. The India Meteorological Department has already indicated that the monsoon rains this year are expected to be below average, raising concerns about the viability of traditional farming practices that rely heavily on groundwater.
According to established agricultural norms, cultivating one acre of paddy requires between 1.2 million and 1.5 million liters of water over the crop cycle. This demand poses a serious challenge when groundwater reserves are expected to face little or no recharge this monsoon season. The reliance on groundwater for irrigation has led to a concerning trend of depletion, with many areas in Telangana already experiencing significant drops in water levels. The implications of this depletion are not only environmental but also economic, as farmers may face crop failures and increased costs associated with deeper drilling for water.
Despite the groundwater department's cautionary notes and the vice-chancellor's strong warnings against paddy cultivation, the state government has yet to update its advisory regarding the cultivation of rice varieties eligible for a ₹500-per-quintal bonus this kharif season. Currently, only seven varieties of fine rice have been designated for this bonus, which may inadvertently encourage farmers to continue planting paddy despite the risks associated with groundwater use.
It is noteworthy that on June 17, well after the India Meteorological Department had issued its long-range forecast predicting a poor monsoon, the government announced the list of eligible rice varieties. This timing raises questions about the decision-making process within the government and its responsiveness to emerging agricultural challenges. While the agriculture department has been urging farmers to opt for irrigated dry crops due to the anticipated poor monsoon rains, farmers in several districts had already planted paddy on 422,000 acres by the second week of this month. Although this figure is significantly lower than the normal kharif paddy acreage of 6.596 million acres, the ongoing rain spells across the state may lead to increased transplanting from nurseries.
As the situation unfolds, the use of groundwater for paddy cultivation is emerging as a pressing concern in Telangana, underscored by the horticulture university vice-chancellor’s warning. The potential consequences of continued groundwater extraction for paddy cultivation could lead to severe long-term impacts on water availability, agricultural productivity, and the livelihoods of farmers in the region.
In light of the current agricultural challenges, the following short-duration rice varieties have been identified as alternatives for farmers:
These short-duration varieties are designed to mature quicker than traditional paddy types, thereby reducing the overall water requirement and allowing farmers to adapt to the changing climatic conditions. The promotion of these varieties is part of a broader strategy to enhance agricultural resilience in the face of water scarcity and to encourage sustainable farming practices that align with the region's environmental realities.
In conclusion, the Telangana government is at a critical juncture where it must balance agricultural productivity with sustainable water management. The calls to ban groundwater use for paddy cultivation reflect a growing recognition of the need for a paradigm shift in farming practices in the region. As the kharif season continues, the decisions made by the government and the responses from the farming community will have significant implications for both the agricultural landscape and the future of water resources in Telangana.
Groundwater depletion is not merely an environmental issue; it is a socio-economic challenge that affects the livelihoods of millions of farmers in Telangana. The state has been grappling with water scarcity for years, and the situation has only worsened with climate change, leading to erratic rainfall patterns. Farmers, who primarily depend on monsoon rains for irrigation, find themselves in a precarious position when the rains fail to meet expectations. The reliance on groundwater has become a stopgap measure that, while providing immediate relief, poses grave risks to the sustainability of agricultural practices in the long term.
The implications of groundwater depletion extend beyond agriculture. As water levels continue to drop, the quality of groundwater may also deteriorate, resulting in increased salinity and other contaminants, which can adversely affect crop yields and food security. This creates a vicious cycle where farmers are forced to invest more in irrigation, further depleting the resources they rely on. The economic viability of farming in Telangana is thus at stake, necessitating urgent and effective policy interventions.
Moreover, the socio-political landscape surrounding water management in Telangana is complex. Farmers have historically been resistant to changes in traditional farming practices, particularly when it comes to staple crops like paddy. The cultural significance of rice in the region cannot be overstated, as it is not only a primary food source but also a part of the cultural identity of the people. Therefore, any policy aimed at restricting paddy cultivation must be implemented with sensitivity to these cultural values. Engaging farmers in dialogue, providing education on sustainable practices, and offering financial incentives for shifting to less water-intensive crops could facilitate a smoother transition.
Furthermore, the government’s role in this transition is crucial. Policymakers must prioritize investments in water conservation techniques, efficient irrigation systems, and infrastructure that supports rainwater harvesting. These measures can help mitigate the impact of erratic rainfall and provide farmers with alternative sources of irrigation. Additionally, enhancing research and development in agriculture can lead to the introduction of more resilient crop varieties that are better suited for the changing climatic conditions.
The promotion of short-duration rice varieties, as mentioned earlier, is a step in the right direction. These varieties not only require less water but also enable farmers to harvest their crops sooner, potentially allowing them to plant a second crop within the same season. This can increase overall productivity and reduce the pressure on groundwater resources. However, the success of such initiatives will depend on the farmers' willingness to adopt new practices and the availability of adequate support from the government.
In summary, the urgent call for the Telangana government to ban groundwater use for paddy cultivation highlights a critical intersection of environmental sustainability, agricultural productivity, and socio-economic stability. As the state grapples with the realities of water scarcity and the impacts of climate change, the decisions made now will resonate for generations to come. A collaborative approach that involves farmers, scientists, and policymakers will be essential in navigating this complex challenge and ensuring a sustainable future for agriculture in Telangana.
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