Telangana is staring at one of its toughest water years in decades, and the state government has asked farmers to make a hard sacrifice. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, speaking to the media in Hyderabad on Thursday, October 15, urged farmers to skip one crop cycle, especially the Yasangi (rabi) paddy, so that the state can protect drinking water and power supply through what he called an unprecedented El Nino. The appeal has set off protests across the state and drawn sharp attacks from the BRS and BJP.
What the Chief Minister Said
Revanth Reddy said the next nine to ten months would be extremely difficult and described the situation as a natural disaster that needs collective effort. His message was "Save water, save power", and he compared the restraint needed to the Covid-era restrictions, asking people to follow it until the rains return, expected in July 2027.
He said the water available would not support paddy for the next eight to ten months and suggested farmers look at horticulture or oil palm instead. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy were with him at the briefing.
The Numbers Behind the Warning
The figures the government shared explain the alarm. Reservoirs across the state hold about 200 tmc of water, against roughly 462 tmc in a normal year at this time. Krishna basin reservoirs hold 72% less water than last year, and Godavari basin reservoirs are down 42%.
| Reservoir storage now | About 200 tmc |
| Normal storage at this time | About 462 tmc |
| Krishna basin | 72% less than last year |
| Godavari basin | 42% less than last year |
| Rainfall, June 1 to October 1 | 615.6 mm vs normal 746.3 mm (-18%) |
| October power demand | Over 20,000 MW vs usual 15,000 MW |
| Next monsoon expected | July 2027 |
Power is the other pressure point. October demand normally hovers around 15,000 MW, but this year it has crossed 20,000 MW. The Chief Minister said several other states, including Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Kerala, are also short of power, leaving little surplus to buy. The Deputy CM acknowledged a coal stock shortage at state-run Singareni Collieries.
Support Promised for Farm Workers
The government said agricultural labourers who lose work because of the deferral will be supported through the VB-G RAM G rural employment scheme, with funds going into irrigation and nala (drain) works that can help the state prepare for future droughts. However, no firm financial package has been announced yet for farmers who switch to horticulture or lose a season's income. An all-party meeting is planned, and a team of ministers will seek special assistance from the Centre.
Farmers and Opposition Push Back
The appeal has not gone down well in the fields. Protests were held on Friday in several districts, from Khammam to Adilabad. Some farmers burned standing crops and effigies of the Chief Minister. Samyukta Kisan Morcha Telangana leader Vissa Kiran called the appeal a betrayal. Tenant farmers in Khammam also protested over the Rythu Bharosa scheme, and farm unions recalled the Congress party's 2022 Warangal Declaration promises to farmers.
BJP Kisan Morcha state president Kondapally Sridhar Reddy accused the government of ignoring months of warnings and failing to line up extra power. BRS leader and former irrigation minister T Harish Rao accused the government of mismanaging reservoir water and the Kaleshwaram project and said farm promises remain unfulfilled. Both parties have demanded a clear plan to tackle the power crisis.
What It Means for Farmers
About 53 lakh acres were under paddy this season, roughly 13 lakh acres fewer than the previous season after earlier advisories against water-heavy crops. If farmers follow the latest appeal, rabi paddy acreage could drop sharply, hitting incomes and rural jobs. For people in towns and cities, the message is to expect tighter water and power management over the coming months.
What Happens Next
All eyes are now on the all-party meeting and on what the Centre offers when the ministerial delegation makes its case. Farmers' groups want a compensation package before they agree to leave land fallow, so the coming weeks will test whether the government can turn its appeal into a deal farmers accept.
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