Farming activities have come to a standstill in Mulbagal region

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Due to this, in Mulbagal the farming activities have subsided and fertilisers and seeds for sowing activities are wasted. Farmers are left with no work. Unfortunately, it is not only this year, that the farmers of Mulbagal are left with no work, but last year also, the situation was similar.

Drought hit-region

Last year, from May to July, there were 245 mm of rains. In July, it rained 75.6 mm as against the expected 66 mm rain. The government had declared Mulbagal as drought hit-region and this year too there are possibilities that the condition similar to last year may occur and the farming activities might subside.This year from the last two months, there has been only 90.6 mm rain.

Many lakes such as Nangali, Motakapalli, Madiwalakere, Sangasandra and Upparahalli lakes which are said to be the big lakes in the region have not filled to the brim for the past five years.

Only five per cent of the sowing has been completed this year in an area of 7,152 hectare.

A total of 1,602 quintal sowing seeds were in demand in the year 2009-10 in which Ragi - 250 quintal, paddy - 620, Hybrid paddy - 1 quintal, Alasande -  1 quintal, Groundnut - 70 quintal were in demand.

Due to less rains, paddy, ragi, tur dal have been sold in less quantity. The farmers are waiting to sow groundnut seeds in an area of 2,000 hectare, if it rains by the end of this week.

Added to all these, the underground water level has also decreased causing serious concern. Farmers  who have invested money on seeds through debts, now fear of their dreams getting shattered. They only pray for good rains in the taluk.