Hyderabad, June 4 -- Agriculture Minister Thummala Nageswara Rao on Thursday, June 4, cautioned Telangana farmers to be prepared for drought conditions and directed officials to create awareness on cultivating alternative crops.

Conducting a review meeting at the Secretariat with senior officials from the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments, the minister said that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings about the likelihood of drought conditions arising in the state due to the El Nino effect.

The minister asked Gram Sabhas to be conducted on the 4th, 6th, 8th, and 10th of June to create awareness about the district-wise crop plans.

Extensive awareness programmes on crops cultivated with less water, drought-re...