eng Enviro Research Publishers Current Agriculture Research Journal 2347-4688 2321-9971 2026-09-10 14 2 418 428 27395 article Kanagiri SN Prasad 1 Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS), Ex-ICRISAT, Hyderabad, India. The rapid expansion of rice cultivation in Telangana following major irrigation investments has significantly altered the spatial distribution and seasonality of agricultural production. However, the magnitude and agro-ecological implications of this transformation have not yet been sufficiently quantified at the district level. However, the magnitude and agro-ecological implications of this transformation have not yet been sufficiently quantified at the district level. This study examines the spatio-temporal restructuring of rice cultivation across Telangana by comparing district-level rice area between the triennium periods 2016–18 and 2022–24, with emphasis on irrigation dependency, seasonal intensification, and regional differentiation. The findings reveal a substantial increase in the average rice area per district from 149,269.73 acres to 371,317.44 acres, representing an expansion of approximately 148.7%. Established rice-producing districts such as Nizamabad, Karimnagar, and Jagtial retained their prominence, while the most rapid growth occurred in previously less-intensive and semi-arid districts, including Vikarabad, Rangareddy, Nagarkurnool, Siddipet, and Medak. Rice cultivation became increasingly widespread across the state, accompanied by a marked expansion of irrigated and Rabi cultivation, indicating a transition from predominantly seasonal production to a more irrigation-dependent and year-round rice production system. The study identifies a clear spatial redistribution of rice cultivation from traditional production belts towards emerging rice-intensive districts across contrasting agro-ecological settings. While this transformation has enhanced production potential and food security, it also highlights increasing dependence on irrigation and the need for region-specific agricultural strategies. The findings emphasise the necessity of agro-ecological zone-based planning that integrates water-use efficiency, crop diversification, and sustainable land and irrigation management. https://www.agriculturejournal.org/volume14number2/spatio-temporal-analysis-of-rice-cultivation-in-telangana-irrigation-expansion-structural-transformation-and-sustainability-concerns-2016-18-to-2022-24/ Agricultural Sustainability; Agro-Ecological Zones; Cropping Pattern; Food Grain Security; Irrigation Expansion; Kaleshwaram Project; Mission Kakatiya; Rabi Intensification; Rice Cultivation; Spatio-Temporal Analysis; Structural Transformation; Telangana