Why does agriculture in parts of Telangana depend on monsoon rainfall?

Agriculture in Telangana remains heavily dependent on monsoon rainfall because, despite efforts to expand irrigation, many areas still lack sufficient water infrastructure to offset the unpredictability of the climate.1

While the state utilizes its major rivers, such as the Godavari and the Krishna, to provide irrigation for the dry interior, the annual precipitation—which averages about 35 inches (900 mm)—varies significantly from year to year. In drier regions, rainfall can drop as low as 20 inches (500 mm), creating substantial uncertainty for crop yields.12

Because irrigation systems are essential for ensuring year-round water availability and protecting farmers from erratic weather, the government has prioritized projects like the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project to improve water distribution. However, until such infrastructure is universally accessible, agriculture in many parts of the state continues to rely on the timing and quantity of the southwest monsoon winds.3124