Hyderabad: Redgram has emerged as the recommended contingency crop for farmers across Telangana as agricultural scientists advise a shift from water-intensive paddy cultivation amid deficient monsoon conditions. The recommendations are part of the state contingency plan for Vanakalam-2026 prepared by the Telangana govt with Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University (PJTAU) and ICAR-CRIDA.The plan proposes district-specific alternatives to help farmers minimise losses if rainfall remains erratic during the season. Redgram has been recommended across the largest number of districts due to its drought tolerance, lower water requirement and ability to withstand prolonged dry spells. Scientists have identified it as the preferred choice for farmers yet to begin sowing, particularly in the second half of July.The contingency plan does not support expansion of paddy cultivation in rainfed areas under delayed monsoon conditions. Instead, it promotes diversification towards redgram, greengram, blackgram, soybean, castor, cowpea, horsegram, bajra, ragi and foxtail millet based on local soil and rainfall conditions.In southern Telangana districts such as Mahabubnagar, Nagarkurnool, Narayanpet, Wanaparthy and Gadwal, farmers have been advised to opt for redgram, castor, bajra, ragi and horsegram. Northern districts including Adilabad, Asifabad, Nirmal, Nizamabad and Kamareddy have been advised to take up redgram, greengram, blackgram and foxtail millet.The recommendations assume significance as paddy sowing has covered only 6.3 lakh acres against the normal 65.9 lakh acres, reflecting farmer caution over rainfall and water availability. The plan also advises short-duration and drought-tolerant varieties for delayed sowing.Scientists have recommended intercropping systems involving redgram with greengram, blackgram, bajra, maize or jowar, along with moisture conservation practices such as ridge-and-furrow cultivation, mulching and compartment bunding.With rainfall uncertainty continuing and El Nino conditions expected to strengthen, experts believe redgram, pulses, millets and oilseeds can help stabilise farm incomes during Vanakalam-2026 while reducing dependence on water-intensive crops.
