Dr K.V. Rao Presented the seasonal rainfall forecast by SASCOF & IMD, monthly rainfall forecasts by IMD (June& July) and discussed with officials and scientists about implications. The district officials presented the contingency plans for their respective districts in the event of insufficient rainfall at different time periods and projected the requirement of various inputs.

Considering the probable state of rainfall during June, July and whole season, suggestions were to monitor the sown areas, precautions to be taken up for unsown areas, plan for alternate crops in canal command areas in case of delay or insufficient flows in canals.

Interface Meeting on Enhancing the Preparedness for Agriculture Contingencies during kharif 2022 for Telangana

A State Level Interface Meeting on Enhancing the Preparedness for Agriculture Contingencies during kharif 2023 for Telangana was jointly organized by ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad and Department of Agriculture, Government of Telangana was held on 11.05.2023 at ICAR-CRIDA. Shri. Hanumanthu K. Zendage, IAS, Special Commissioner, Agriculture, Government of Telangana chaired the meeting. Dr. V.K. Singh, Director, ICAR-CRIDA, Dr. Tara Satyavathi, Director, ICAR-IIMR, Dr. A. Kiran Kumar, Director (Extension), Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticulture University, Dr. M. V. Ramana, Director (Research), PJTSAU, Dr. B. Ekambaram, Director (Extension), P.V. Narashima Rao Telangana veterinary University, Dr. K. Vijaya Kumar Additional Director (Agriculture), GoI, representative from sister institutes ICAR-IIOR and IIRR participated in the meeting.

During the meeting. Dr K.V. Rao Presented the seasonal rainfall forecast by SASCOF & IMD, monthly rainfall forecasts by IMD (June& July) and discussed with officials and scientists about implications. The district officials presented the contingency plans for their respective districts in the event of insufficient rainfall at different time periods and projected the requirement of various inputs.
Major recommendations:

•  The District Agriculture Officers presented a good overview of status as well as the alternatives to face any contingency situation. The alternative crops and varieties were also discussed during the meeting.

• Emphasis was made on creation of interdisciplinary team for awareness and field visits during the season to advise farmers.

• Suggested to have integrated farming systems with livestock in case of complete crop failure for supporting the income of farmers. Use of nano urea was also highlighted by the chair.

• Foliar nutrition/top dressing needs to be taken up in the standing crops. Prophylactic measures for plant protection in the standing crops

• To be vigilant towards the rainfall situations in the forthcoming days for taking up suitable preparedness and real-time measures during excess rainfall situation in the standing crops

• Suitable varieties of paddy, cotton, castor, groundnut, pigeonpea under these normal to excess rainfall situations were also suggested.