50 Percent drop in arecanut crop in state

Mangaluru

This year has brought unprecedented turmoil to the arecanut  production sector in Karnataka, with farmers grappling with a devastating impact from the yellow leaf disease and leaf spot disease. The coastal and hilly regions are witnessing alarming crop losses, with production plummeting to an estimated 50 percent. This situation marks a first in the historical context of banana farming in the region.

Years ago, various diseases like root rot plagued arecanut crops, but never before has there been such a catastrophic decline in yield. The leaf spot disease, which was previously contained to the coast and hilly areas, has now spread extensively to neighboring Kasargod, threatening the very existence of banana plantations. Farmers in Puttur and Bantwal are also struggling as rising temperatures further exacerbate the situation, leading to significant crop failures.

In Kasargod, leaf spot disease has claimed between  40% to 50% of the crop, which is unprecedented for this previously dry geographical area. Farmers report that even fields with healthy banana trees are now yielding significantly less than expected. Despite attempts to apply medicines to control the disease, the outbreak persists.

The climatic variations have only worsened the plight of banana farmers. Last year, temperatures in the Sulya region soared to 42 degrees Celsius, which contributed to cavitation in the arecanut plants. Current weather patterns show a steady rise in temperatures, reaching around 35 degrees Celsius, drying up water sources and diminishing humidity levels. Such conditions are primed for further crop decline.

As arecanut production falters, the consequential economic impact leaves farmers in a state of despair. Without practical solutions or effective irrigation methods, many fear the losses could lead to a significant downturn in banana production in the upcoming years.