Heavy rains prove detrimental to cotton growers

But blessing in disguise for paddy cultivators as they expect good yield

The vagaries of weather have ushered in blessings as well curse for the farmers of Siruguppa taluk in Bellary district. Overwhelmed by the bumper cotton yield the previous year, the farmers of Siruguppa taluk tried to replay the success story this time too. 

Unfortunately for them, inspite of the onslaught of monsoon, the region was fed with rains only after a month’s delay. This delayed the sowing activities and whatever cotton crops were cultivated, were washed away in the surplus rainfall that lashed the district.

And whatever remains of the crops, are now being afflicted by diseases, due to increased humidity in the atmosphere.

The farmers’ woes does not just end here. Heavy rainfall has also increased the weeds in fields. They are now spending thousands of rupees to clear the fields of weeds.

This might even affect the cotton yield this time, expresses Jogina Amaresh.Sharing his woes with Deccan Herald, he said, at Bagawadi village, it is difficult to find farm labourers. 

“I have spent Rs 40,000 to clear the weeds in six acres of land. We are paying Rs 200 towards labour charges per day and yet, the measures are not yielding any results. We will incur further expenses to treat the afflicted crops,” he said.

Situation might improve

An optimistic Doddaveeresh Gowda from Gajiginahaalu village hopes that the situation might improve after monsoon.Chandrashekhar, Assistant Director of Agriculture, has assured the farmers of counselling and inspection of the fields. 

While cotton cultivators are striving to save their crops, bounteous rainfall has brought joy to the paddy cultivators. Known as the “rice basket” of the State, they are expecting a good yield. 

“The delay in monsoon is worth our penny. This is a boon for paddy crops and we expect goods prospects this year, said B S Mallanagowda from Ibrampur village.

Paddy has been sown in total 29,000 hectares of land in Siruguppa taluk. Apart from a little hitches here and there, the farmers are keeping their fingers crossed.