Twin districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi received incessant rains on Saturday, affecting both business and agricultural activities.

A cloudy situation prevailed across the day that has continued in the night as well.

All parts of both the districts received good rains. Fortunately, thunders and lightning have considerably reduced compared to the vigour shown in the early part of this week.

Vehicular traffic was disrupted for some time on Mangalore-Bajpe road due to landslide near Kenjaru. The road was cleared by using a JCB.

However, most of the farmers have been caught under crisis as rains have not only pushed their activities to a standstill but also made them to experience heavy loss. However, the actual loss is yet to be estimated.

Crops in crisis

Crops like chilly, ground nut, paddy and cashew have been seriously affected. Ground nut is being grown in areas like Kundapur, Kota, Brahmavara, Sasthana and Honnala, but the growers have totally lost their confidence due to stagnation of rainwater in the fields. The ground nut leaves are used as fodder to cattle, but they are also rotten.

The untimely rains have also affected paddy. Third time crops grown by those who have sufficient irrigation facilities were ready for harvest but the rains have spoiled the yield. The dried paddy grass, used as fodder, has also been drenched.

Meanwhile, areca growers especially in Belthangady, Sullia and Puttur taluks of Dakshina Kannada were happy as showers brought relief to them and reduced tension in connection with water scarcity. But the continued rains have increased their apprehension as the rains would affect next year’s yields. At the same time, they are worried as how to dry up the yield lying on their courtyards. As it is raining for the past one week, the semi-dried crops have started rotting due to lack of sunlight.

Meanwhile, cashew growers are also apprehensive that the prevailing fair market would collapse at any moment if rains continue. Though the initial drizzle proved a boon for the crop, the continued rains have caused black spots on the cashew, which may result in price decline.

Mango crop has affected in places like Hebri and Perdur, while floriculture and chilly have experienced a set back in Udupi district.