Rain Deficit Hits Pre-Kharif Sowing in Chamarajanagar District

Mysuru: Pre-kharif agricultural activity has suffered a setback in Chamarajanagar district following inadequate rainfall during the crucial months of April and May. The district, known for its green cover and agricultural output, witnessed significantly lower pre-monsoon showers this year, affecting sowing operations across several areas.

Farmers say the rainfall deficit has not only delayed pre-kharif cultivation but has also affected crops already sown during the period. Agriculture officials are closely monitoring the situation as cultivators await improved rainfall with advance southwest monsoon to revive farming activity and protect standing crops.

The district has recorded 74.9% scanty rainfall during April, 69.8% rain in May. The department has set the target of sowing in 39,436 hectares of land for the pre-kharif monsoon season. The district has registered 53% progress. Farmers have sown oilseeds like sunflower, pulses, maize, cotton, horsegram, blackgram among other crops in rain-fed land.

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According to taluk-wise reports, Chamarajanagar taluk has completed sowing in 1,789 hectares against the target of 6,823 hectares of land. Gundlupet taluk has sown seeds in the highest area, 18,280 hectares against the target of 30,180 hectares, while Kollegal taluk has exceeded the target of 760 hectares and sown in 793 hectares. In Hanur taluk, farmers have sown in 89 hectares against the 1,120 hectares target, while farmers in Yelandur taluk have completed sowing in 580 hectares against the target of 579 hectare.

According to agriculture department, scanty rainfall was reported in Gundlupet taluk while Kollegal, Yelandur and Chamarajanagar taluks received moderate rainfall.

Speaking to TOI, Chamarajanagar joint director of agriculture Sushma said that the district has been able to record 53% sowing progress in pre-kharif season. As the district now started to receive showers, the kharif sowing operation has picked up now and expected to reach the target by end of July, she said. The district has stocked enough seeds, fertilisers, to fulfil the requirements of farmers, the JD said.

Karanataka Rajya Raitha Sangha’s Chamarajanagar district leader Mahesh Prabhu urged the govt to relax mandatory collection of FID number to buy fertilisers, as majority farmers do not have it.

District Rain in mm