Farmers in Kushalnagar-Harangi and Chiklihole region have no time to spare as they are completely involved in the cultivation works in the region.

It was about 15 days ago that water was released in the two outlet channels of Harangi reservoir for the farmers to cultivate their Kharif crops. With ample availability of water, the farmers are out on ploughing their lands to reap good crop this season.

In the regions close to the canals, the farmers have already started cultivation works. Though rain has been lashing over this region, the farmers are lost in their work, brushing aside the rain.

In most of the places it is seen that the farmers are still retaining the traditional methods of tilling and ploughing the land using buffaloes. Tractors and power tillers are used only by those who do not have a buffalo.

The Department of Agriculture records show that the paddy cultivation land has drastically contracted in Harangi and Chiklihole area. Owing to the huge expenses incurred in cultivation of paddy and the attractive price that ginger fetched last year, more and more farmers are abandoning paddy and taking up ginger and jowar cultivation.

Though there is a target to cultivate 5,000 acres of land in Somwarpet region under the Harangi left canal, the paddy cultivation over the years has only diminished. Sources said that farmers in Hulagunda, Kudige, Kanive, Madalapura, Huluse, Maroor, Halekote, Hebbale, Gaddehosalli, Thorenoor, Manajur, Shirangala, Naloor and Moodlukoppala area have taken up traditional paddy cultivation.