'Rhizone rot' pest attacks Turmeric crop

According to an estimate, the horticultural crops are grown on 36,985.50 hectare in the district. Of which,  turmeric is grown in around 10,000 hectare. Turmeric is grown on both rainfed and irrigated land and it has been fetching handsome income for the growers all these years. But the impounding rains that has inundated the fields has resulted in the roots to rot. This is causing worry for the farmers.

This problem is being witnessed in Punajanur, Alur, Hebbasuru and Chandakawadi villages. The overflowing Suvarnavathi river has inundated more than 1,000 acres of agricultural land besides destroying the standing crops. The farmers, who were anticipating good yield, are now worried whether they would be able to get at least the expenditure incurred on the crop.

Moreover, the farmers are facing marketing problem due to absence of processing centre in the district. As a result they are forced to sell their produce in the neighbouring Erode district.

The traders of Tamil Nadu are holding the reigns here, who make quick bucks, acting as agents.

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, in the State Budget 2009-10, had announced of releasing Rs 10 crore towards setting up Turmeric market and processing unit in the district.  But not a paise has been released by the State government, alleged farmers.