Telangana farmers prefer vegetables and spices over paddy in Yasangi season
Horticulture crop sowing increased to 15,864 acres between October 1 and 28, according to data from the Horticulture department.
Farmers in Telangana are choosing to cultivate vegetables, spices, and other horticulture crops over traditional options like paddy, according to The Hindu. This trend, which was observed during the Kharif season, has continued into the Yasangi (Rabi) season.
Horticulture crop sowing between October 1 and 28 rose to 15,864 acres this year, compared to 6,552 acres during the same period in 2025. Rangareddy recorded the highest increase of 3,953 acres, followed by Sangareddy with 1,395 acres and Siddipet with 1,146 acres.
Director of State Horticulture Shaik Yasmeen Basha said the water required for one acre of paddy can cultivate oil palm over four acres or vegetables over five to six acres. She noted that while erratic weather and heat might result in a 20 per cent lower yield, farmers may see good returns due to high demand.
Ms. Basha stated that the National Seed Corporation and Indian Institute of Horticultural Research are ready to supply drought-resistant seed varieties. District Horticulture and Sericulture Officers have been directed to provide farmers with sprinklers and drip irrigation resources.
Rangareddy DHSO K. Suresh said increasing vegetable prices and market accessibility played a role in the shift. Vikarabad DHSO M.A.
Sattar reported that farmers in that district preferred spices, including turmeric, onions, and ajwain, while Mahabubnagar DHSO K. Venugopal said Yasangi vegetable cultivation relies on borewell irrigation.