Revanth Reddy’s Irrigation Policy Is Now Hope

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has unveiled Telangana’s newest irrigation policy: hope. From November to February, he says, there may be no irrigation water at all, because drinking water comes first and farmers should move to less water-intensive crops. Around 15 lakh of the state’s 30 lakh agricultural pump sets have reportedly already run dry. The administration has therefore solved the water crisis in the traditional manner: announce the crisis loudly and ask farmers to adjust their expectations.

The same government encouraged fine-rice cultivation with a promised ₹2,400 per quintal and a ₹500 bonus. Traders then reportedly offered ₹3,500–₹4,000 in advance, and farmers did what farmers usually do when somebody offers actual money: they sold. Fine rice now costs roughly ₹85–₹95 a kilogram, depending on which explanation is being served. Revanth Reddy’s discovery is that better returns for farmers can raise prices. Economics has finally reached the Secretariat, carrying a delayed file.

The procurement machinery is less advanced. As of October 26, fewer than 2,000 of the planned 8,283 centres had opened. Nizamabad was unsure whether the state would procure four lakh tonnes against a target of 6.5 lakh; Nalgonda expected two to three lakh against 4.5 lakh. Telangana is meanwhile attempting to build a 14-month foodgrain buffer, while the machinery meant to buy the crop appears to be waiting for a procurement-centre inauguration. Officials say existing stocks and pending mill deliveries may cover welfare needs until September 2027. They also say the government may not be able to intervene quickly if shortages or price spikes arrive. Planning, in this administration, is apparently the art of being surprised in advance.

Revanth Reddy is energetic when warning officials of suspension over power shortages, even as the same administration tells farmers there may be no irrigation water and asks them to reduce cultivation. Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka and Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao can keep issuing reviews, targets and stern instructions, but a target is not a procurement centre and a warning is not a reservoir. El Niño may explain the weather. It does not explain why the government promoted a crop, delayed buying it and is now preparing Telangana for the consequences. The ministry has supplied the speech; the state is still waiting for water, power and procurement.