Telangana produces 27 key crops in the Kharif and Rabi seasons, covering an area of around 53.51 lakh hectares.
The important crops cultivated in Telangana include Rice, Maize, Pulses, Groundnut, Cotton, Chilies, and Sugarcane.
Rice
Telangana is South India’s rice bowl, with 44 lakh acres dedicated to rice cultivation. However, climatic changes have had a significant impact on the quantity of rainfall, resulting in a decline in the area planted with rice.
· To protect the nursery from extreme cold, cover it with polythene sheets or poly woven Urea bag sheets held by steel rods or bamboo sticks in the evenings and remove the sheets in the morning.
· Spray Zinc Sulfate @ 2g per liters of water to address zinc deficiency. Spray a mixture of Carbendazim + Mancozeb 2g/kg of Urea anytime Urea is applied. Irrigate the field in the evening and drain it in the morning.
Maize
Maize (Corn) is the second most important crop grown in Telangana, covering around 14 lakh acres and generating 16 lakh tonnes yearly. It is utilized in human diet and animal feed; it is also extensively employed in the cornstarch business and the manufacturing of baby corn, among other things.
· The best period to seed is from October to November. Up until December in the rice fallow maize zero tillage system.
· During the Yasangi season, four to six irrigations are required. Two irrigations up to blooming at 20-to-25-day intervals, one at flowering, two following flowering, and one at the early grain filling stage. If five irrigations are used, one irrigation during the vegetative stage may be avoided, and if only four irrigations are applied, one irrigation after the dough stage can be avoided. However, depending on the soil conditions, the watering schedule may be adjusted accordingly.
Groundnut
Groundnut is grown on a total of 2.0 lakh hectares in the Telangana area, making it one of the state’s most important crops. Groundnut is commonly cultivated in the districts of Mahbubnagar, Warangal, Nalgonda, and Karimnagar. Crop rotation is significant in groundnut agriculture because it improves nutrient use and decreases soil-borne illnesses.
· For effective weed control, use pre-emergence herbicides such as Alachlor at 1 liters per 200 liters of water or Pendimethalin (30 percent EC) at 1.30-1.60 liters per 200 liters of water shortly after sowing or 2-3 days later. Intercropping should take place 25-30 days following planting. Maintain weed-free conditions in the field for 45 days following planting.
· To control Tikka leaf spot, use 400 g of chlorothalonil or 200 ml of tebuconazole per 200 liters of water per acre.
Sesame
Sesame is one of the oldest oilseed crops, often known as “Gingelly” or “Til.” This crop is grown on 25,000 to 30,000 acres in the state as a summer, Kharif, and semi-Rabi crop. Sesame may be cultivated in a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained light to medium textured soils. Maintain a weed-free and precisely leveled field to minimize water logging, which sesame is very sensitive to.
· Keep the field weed-free and completely flat to minimize water logging, which is very damaging to sesame.
· To avoid seed-borne infections, use treated seed with Carbendazim at a rate of 3 g/kg of seed.
· For summer crops, provide irrigation soon after planting to enhance germination and plant establishment. Depending on the soil type, weather circumstances, and season, successive irrigations may be provided every 12-15 days. Irrigation during flower initiation and capsule development is critical for optimum seed filling and yield.