Farmers advised against second crop as water and power crisis deepens

Government authorities are urging farmers to reconsider plans for rabi season cultivation as India faces mounting water and power deficits across agricultural regions. Sudarshan Reddy, an advisor to the government, cautioned that existing resource constraints could worsen substantially in the coming months due to El Niño weather patterns.

The advisory comes amid growing concerns about irrigation capacity and electricity availability for agricultural operations during the secondary crop season. Rabi crops, typically sown from October to December and harvested in spring, require consistent water supply and power for pumping operations.

Reddy's warning suggests that climate patterns associated with El Niño could further strain already-stressed water resources and power infrastructure. The advisory highlights the need for farmers to reassess their planting strategies and explore alternative cultivation practices that require fewer resources.

Agriculture officials are expected to provide guidance on crop selection and water management techniques in the coming weeks. The situation underscores ongoing challenges in India's agricultural sector related to infrastructure capacity and climate vulnerability.