Farmers in Telangana are increasingly opting for vegetables and spices over traditional paddy cultivation, a trend that has persisted into the Yasangi season of 2026. This shift, initially observed during the Kharif season, is driven by the impact of El Nino and the anticipated high demand for horticulture produce.
The area dedicated to horticulture crops has seen a significant rise. In the Kharif season of 2025-26, 2.25 lakh acres were sown, which expanded to 3.54 lakh acres in the current Kharif, marking an increase of 1.28 lakh acres. The trend continues in Yasangi, with 15,864 acres sown between October 1 and 28 this year, compared to 6,552 acres during the same period last year.
Districts such as Rangareddy, Sangareddy, Siddipet, Mahabubnagar, Warangal, and Vikarabad have reported substantial increases in sown areas. Rangareddy led with an additional 3,953 acres, followed by Sangareddy with 1,395 acres, and Siddipet with 1,146 acres.
Shaik Yasmeen Basha, Director of the Telangana Horticulture Department, highlighted the water efficiency of horticulture crops compared to paddy. An acre of paddy requires the same amount of water that could irrigate four acres of oil palm or five to six acres of vegetables. This efficiency, coupled with high returns on investment, makes horticulture an attractive option for farmers.
However, the horticulture yield is expected to drop by around 20% in the coming months due to excessive heat conditions. Despite this, the high demand for these crops could result in favorable returns for farmers. To support this transition, District Horticulture and Sericulture Officers (DHSO) have been instructed to provide resources such as drip irrigation systems and sprinklers.
Efforts are also underway to supply drought-resistant seed varieties through collaborations with the Seed Corporation and the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research. "We are ensuring farmers can purchase seeds from the institutes, " Basha stated, emphasizing the department's commitment to aiding farmers.
Rangareddy DHSO K. Suresh noted that rising vegetable prices and the accessibility of markets in Hyderabad have influenced farmers' decisions to cultivate more vegetables. Meanwhile, Vikarabad DHSO M. A. Sattar reported a preference for spices like turmeric, onions, and ajwain in the district.
In Mahabubnagar, DHSO K. Venugopal pointed out that vegetable cultivation during Yasangi is primarily market-driven, relying on assured borewell irrigation rather than rainfed systems. This market orientation underscores the strategic shift in agricultural practices in Telangana.
