<p>Belagavi:The onset of the monsoon has brought both hope and hardship for farmers across Belagavi district. While pre-monsoon showers followed by a steady monsoon downpour have helped kickstart agricultural activities, excess rainfall in certain taluks has disrupted sowing and posed a threat to crop survival, especially for paddy and sweet potato growers.</p><p>Agriculture activities are progressing across the district, with farmers busy sowing Kharif crops and tilling land. However, relentless rains have brought farming to a standstill in parts of Belagavi, Channamma Kittur, and Khanapur taluks, where waterlogging has submerged large patches of farmland. Paddy cultivators in low-lying areas are especially concerned, as standing water could damage germinated seedlings. If the water fails to recede soon, many may be forced to replant using transplanted seedlings, incurring additional costs.</p><p>“We sowed after the early showers, but the continuous downpour has damaged our seedlings,” said Raju Marve, a farmer from the region. “We now have to source seedlings from growers at higher prices once the water drains.”</p><p>Sweet potato crops along the Vadgaon-Yellur road are also at risk due to delayed harvesting and rainwater accumulation.</p><p>57% more than average</p><p>According to the Agriculture Department, Belagavi district received 178.6 mm of rainfall between June 1 and 25, which is 57% more than the average of 113.8 mm. Hukkeri and Khanapur taluks recorded nearly double their usual rainfall, while Mudalagi taluk is experiencing a 21% rainfall deficit.</p><p>Despite the challenges, sowing progress has reached 75% of the district’s Kharif season target of 7.32 lakh hectares. As of June 25, sowing was completed on 5.55 lakh hectares. Ramdurg taluk leads with 94% of its target achieved, while Yargatti lags behind at 49%. Green gram and black gram have exceeded their sowing targets, and cultivation of cotton, maize, and other crops is ongoing.</p><p>However, green gram crops in some areas have shown signs of yellowing due to nutritional deficiency, although Agricultural Department officials say the situation is improving with corrective measures.</p><p>“Paddy sowing and transplanting are underway in Belagavi and Khanapur taluks. Sowing will continue until July 15, and we expect to meet our targets,” said Agriculture Department Joint Director H D Kolekar.</p><p>Meanwhile, agricultural scientists from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, have advised farmers in Bailhongal taluk to focus on crops better suited to current conditions, such as cotton, onion, maize, groundnut, and soybean. High soil moisture due to excess rain has already caused some damage to green gram crops in the region.</p>
<p>Belagavi:The onset of the monsoon has brought both hope and hardship for farmers across Belagavi district. While pre-monsoon showers followed by a steady monsoon downpour have helped kickstart agricultural activities, excess rainfall in certain taluks has disrupted sowing and posed a threat to crop survival, especially for paddy and sweet potato growers.</p><p>Agriculture activities are progressing across the district, with farmers busy sowing Kharif crops and tilling land. However, relentless rains have brought farming to a standstill in parts of Belagavi, Channamma Kittur, and Khanapur taluks, where waterlogging has submerged large patches of farmland. Paddy cultivators in low-lying areas are especially concerned, as standing water could damage germinated seedlings. If the water fails to recede soon, many may be forced to replant using transplanted seedlings, incurring additional costs.</p><p>“We sowed after the early showers, but the continuous downpour has damaged our seedlings,” said Raju Marve, a farmer from the region. “We now have to source seedlings from growers at higher prices once the water drains.”</p><p>Sweet potato crops along the Vadgaon-Yellur road are also at risk due to delayed harvesting and rainwater accumulation.</p><p>57% more than average</p><p>According to the Agriculture Department, Belagavi district received 178.6 mm of rainfall between June 1 and 25, which is 57% more than the average of 113.8 mm. Hukkeri and Khanapur taluks recorded nearly double their usual rainfall, while Mudalagi taluk is experiencing a 21% rainfall deficit.</p><p>Despite the challenges, sowing progress has reached 75% of the district’s Kharif season target of 7.32 lakh hectares. As of June 25, sowing was completed on 5.55 lakh hectares. Ramdurg taluk leads with 94% of its target achieved, while Yargatti lags behind at 49%. Green gram and black gram have exceeded their sowing targets, and cultivation of cotton, maize, and other crops is ongoing.</p><p>However, green gram crops in some areas have shown signs of yellowing due to nutritional deficiency, although Agricultural Department officials say the situation is improving with corrective measures.</p><p>“Paddy sowing and transplanting are underway in Belagavi and Khanapur taluks. Sowing will continue until July 15, and we expect to meet our targets,” said Agriculture Department Joint Director H D Kolekar.</p><p>Meanwhile, agricultural scientists from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, have advised farmers in Bailhongal taluk to focus on crops better suited to current conditions, such as cotton, onion, maize, groundnut, and soybean. High soil moisture due to excess rain has already caused some damage to green gram crops in the region.</p>
