Malingaraya Pujar
CH NEWS
Failure of monsoon rains has left farmers across Gadag district worried, with crops wilting due to moisture shortage and growing attacks by monkeys and deer adding to their difficulties.
Farmers who spent ₹20,000–₹30,000 per acre on credit, hoping for a good monsoon, are now facing crop losses. Although harvesting is approaching, inadequate rainfall has stunted crop growth and is expected to reduce yields.
Good pre-monsoon showers initially encouraged farmers to begin sowing. Crops including groundnut, cotton, maize and other major crops were planted after the soil received sufficient moisture. However, rainfall has remained inadequate since sowing, leaving many crops struggling to survive.
Farmers said intermittent showers have not provided enough moisture. Alternating cloudy and sunny weather has also increased the risk of diseases in crops that have managed to grow. With little or no significant rain for two to three months after sowing, several fields are now showing signs of severe moisture stress.
Monkey menace adds to farmers’ worries
In Lakshmeshwar taluk, monkeys have become a major threat to groundnut and yam crops. Large groups are entering fields and damaging crops, worsening the losses already caused by drought-like conditions.
Farmers said monkeys are even uprooting groundnuts that have not developed properly and eating them. As a result, growers are being forced to remain in their fields from morning until evening to protect what little crop remains.
With rainfall uncertainty, declining crop prospects and increasing wildlife damage, farmers are facing mounting financial pressure and are seeking relief and effective measures to protect their crops.
Last year, the crops were damaged due to excessive rain, but this year, the crops planted have failed due to lack of rain, which is putting the farmers in distress. The government should immediately come to the aid of the farmers. Abzal Rithi, farmer