2024 · Paper IV · 10 marksFrequently asked

"Irrigation plays a crucial role in Telangana's agricultural growth and food security." Justify this in the context of sustained initiatives of the state government.

In short

In semi-arid, rain-dependent Telangana, irrigation enables multiple cropping, diversification and stable farm incomes, making it central to agricultural growth and food security. Mission Kakatiya, launched in 2014 to restore over 46,000 tanks, has helped lift foodgrain output from 207.95 lakh MTs (2023-24) to a projected 236.87 lakh MTs (2025-26).

Model answer

Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026

Introduction
Irrigation underpins Telangana’s agricultural growth and food security by ensuring reliable water supply for over 60% of its rural population, enabling crop diversification and income stability. It is especially crucial in Telangana’s semi-arid climate with erratic rainfall, where dependable irrigation supports multiple cropping and stable farm incomes.
Robust Institutional Framework
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Mission Kakatiya’s Tank Restoration

Launched in 2014, it targets restoration of over 46,000 tanks in phases, increasing water storage and minor irrigation potential for small and medium farmers.

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Budget Prioritization

Telangana allocates1 20.2% of its budget to agriculture2, the highest in India, with significant funds for irrigation and water management.

Implementation and Outcomes
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Bridging Ayacut Gap

Tank restoration bridged a 63% ayacut gap, stabilizing irrigation coverage and enabling crop intensification.

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Farmer-Centric Schemes

Rythu Bharosa and other schemes support farmers’ investment in drip and sprinkler irrigation, improving water use efficiency.

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Community Participation

Involving Gram Sabhas in waterbody restoration has fostered ownership and sustainability of irrigation assets, enhancing agricultural resilience.

Economic and Social Impact
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Rising Foodgrain Production

Foodgrain output is expected to increase from 207.95 lakh MTs (2023-24) to 236.87 lakh MTs (2025-26), showing irrigation’s positive effect.

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Income Stability and Diversification

Reliable irrigation reduces crop failure risk, supporting schemes like Rythu Bharosa and enabling high-value crop cultivation.

Way Forward
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Expand Micro-Irrigation Subsidies

Scale subsidies for drip and sprinkler irrigation in drought-prone areas to enhance water use efficiency.

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Strengthen Community Management

Build Gram Sabha capacity for sustainable water resource governance and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure.

Conclusion
Telangana’s irrigation initiatives, especially Mission Kakatiya and Rythu Bharosa, have been central to its agricultural transformation and food security by ensuring reliable water availability and promoting efficient use.

This model answer is indicative and the model can make mistakes; please verify key facts independently.

Hand-drawn diagram: How irrigation feeds food security. How irrigation feeds food security. Flow: Mission Kakatiya restores 46,000 tanks → 63% ayacut gap bridged → Better soil moisture, multiple cropping → Foodgrains up to 236.87 lakh MT → Stable incomes, food security
Diagram: How irrigation feeds food security

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This chapter in the exam

Agriculture and allied sectors in Telangana7 questions

Asked in 2 of 2 sittings since 2016

2016
5
2024
2

Most tested: Irrigation and institutional agricultural credit, especially their regional inequality and policy role in Telangana.

All 7 questions, sorted by sub-topic, with model answers and practice.

Question from the official TGPSC Group-I Mains 2024 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.

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