It drizzled for a couple of days last week, reviving the farmers’ hope. However, the rains have gambled away the farmers’ hope. The groundnut crop in the border areas of the taluk had again withered due to shortage of rainfall.
In several other places, the farmers have sowed seeds relying on the drizzles last week. However, there seems to be no hope of these seeds sprouting at all. Besides, the ragi sprouts transplanted last week has also begun to wither away, escalating the anxiety of farmers over rains.
The farmers with a stock of fertilisers and sowing seeds, have been eagerly waiting for the rain god to show mercy on them.
As the ragi sowing has come to a halt, the farmers are busy with deweeding and other works in the mango groves.
Shortage of rainfall has led to food crisis for the livestock. The cows are fed on leaves of various trees as there is acute shortage of fodder.
Power crisis
Adding to the farmers’ woes is irregular power supply. Irrigation pump sets have been damaged due to fluctuation in voltage. Besides, the drinking water is also not being supplied properly due to erratic power supply. The students have not been able to study properly due to shortage of power supply.
