First rains in Gulbarga

Gulbarga city and surrounding areas received the first rains of the monsoon on Friday, bringing the much-needed relief to people who have been reeling under scorching heat.

There were moderate rains after a dry spell of nearly a month, causing hindrance to traffic on main roads due to waterlogging and overflowing of choked underground drains.

However, there were no rains in the rural areas of the district.

The farming community has been waiting for rains as they have to undertake sowing for the kharif season.

The monsoon, delayed by about three weeks, has caused losses to the agriculture sector as sowing of tur, the main crop of the district, could not take place.

Short-term crops such as Green Gram and Black Gram have also been badly affected.

With drought-like symptoms already visible, the agriculture department officials say the situation may take a turn for the worse if the monsoon fails to gain momentum in the coming days.

Bijapur district

It rained for nearly two hours on Friday afternoon at Kolhara in Bijapur district, bringing smiles on the faces of farmers.

There had been only winds since the start of the rainy season.

Bagalkot district

Rains returned to the district after a month on Friday evening, with isolated moderate showers in Bagalkot, Jamakhandi and Guledagudda.