In Udupi, farmers are facing difficulties due to the shortage of rainfall. The pre-monsoon and monsoon rains have been inadequate, with a 50% deficit in June. As a result, paddy cultivation has been delayed. The agriculture department is trying to boost the morale of farmers, advising them to continue with farming activities. The department has also suggested that farmers can still plant paddy in the first half of July. Farmers in Brahmmavara, Hebri, Karkala, Kundapura, Byndoor, and Kapu taluks have prepared their fields, but the lack of sufficient water has hindered the planting process.
According to agriculture scientists, farmers can opt for short-duration paddy varieties, which can be harvested in a shorter period. The department has also advised farmers to conserve water in their fields. The agriculture department has sufficient stock of short-duration paddy seeds, including Sahyadri Kemmukti, Jaya, Jyothi, MO-23, and Uma. Farmers can contact the local agriculture department for technical advice and weather forecasts.
Last year, the target was to cultivate paddy in 35,000 hectares, but only 25,596 hectares were cultivated. This year, the target is to cultivate paddy in 37,742 hectares. However, due to the rain shortage, only 9031 hectares have been planted so far.
Image for illustration purposes only
đź“° Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi