Agricultural activities gain pace in Chikkaballapur

Agriculture activities have picked up pace in the district following torrential rain as farmers are busy cultivating their land in many villages.

Some farmers in Gowribidanur taluk have already completed tilling and started sowing groundnut and tur seeds.

Generally, the district receives a rainfall of 119.5 mm by June 3.

But this time, it has received a rainfall of 229.7 mm. Last year, the district had received 169.8 mm of rain. The comparative difference in the quantity of rain between last year and this year is 92 per cent, the Agriculture Department officials said.

The details of rainfall in different taluks of the district are as follows: Bagepalli-225.3 mm, Chikkaballapur-188.7 mm, Chintamani-256.2 mm, Gauribidanur-247.1 and Gudibande-202.6 mm.

The district will get more rain this time, according to a statement by the Meteorological Department.

Seeds, fertilisers and other necessary materials needed for agriculture are also available in sufficient quantity.

Joint Director of Agriculture Department K G Anup said farmers can obtain information related to seeds, fertilisers and agricultural activities at Farmers’ Contact Centres. The department would extend all necessary assistance to the farmers, he added.

Anup said groundnut and tur seeds need to be sowed by June 15 to get better yields. But Maize and ragi can be sown till July and August, he stated.

He called upon farmers to harvest rainwater and use it when required.  The farmers, who want information and suggestions on agriculture can contact the department officials and agricultural scientists, he added.