Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy said the State government would send a detailed report to the Centre seeking necessary assistance in view of the drought-like conditions caused by El Nino. He urged farmers not to panic over the prevailing weather conditions.Addressing a review meeting at the Hanumakonda IDOC, Mr. Reddy said that the special officers appointed by the State government would submit periodic reports to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and the State Cabinet.With the State likely to experience below-normal rainfall due to the impact of El Nino, he emphasised a range of precautionary measures, including a shift to less water-intensive crops, contingency planning and coordinated action by government departments to minimise hardship for farmers and the public.“There is no need for people or farmers to panic,” the Minister said, adding that the government was closely monitoring the situation and would take all necessary measures.At a separate review meeting in Ranga Reddy district, Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar urged all departments to function in a coordinated mission mode and implement contingency plans in advance. He stressed the need to educate farmers on alternative crops and ensure timely availability of seeds, drinking water, cattle fodder, employment guarantee works, uninterrupted power supply and healthcare services.Suggesting a move away from water-intensive paddy cultivation in vulnerable areas, Mr. Prasad Kumar advocated promoting crops such as green gram, red gram, jowar and ragi, which require less water. He also urged officials to prevent fodder shortages, use water resources judiciously, drill new borewells where necessary and ensure continuous power supply to drinking water boreholes.Stating that the impact of natural calamities could be reduced through planning and coordination, the Speaker said protecting farmers and people from drought-like conditions should remain the priority of all departments.Officials from agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, irrigation, groundwater, rural development and other departments presented their action and contingency plans during the meeting. Published - July 21, 2026 09:08 pm IST