A weak monsoon and a sharp rainfall deficit have left farmers in Shivamogga, which is known for heavy rainfall, deeply worried this year. Growers of maize and ragi are the worst-affected. Plant growth and grain formation have not been normal, and they expect little or nothing from their fields.

“It has been more than a month since we last saw rain,” said Haleshappa, sipping tea with fellow farmers at a hotel in Kumsi near Ayanur in Shivamogga taluk. The drought is the main topic of conversation wherever people gather in the taluk. “Yes, we did anticipate drought this time. But the impact is beyond our expectation. We are not getting even a small portion of what we have spent so far.”

According to the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC), the Malnad region received 959 mm of rain during the southwest monsoon (June 1 to September 29), against a normal of 1,550 mm, a deficit of 38%. In the month of September, the normal rainfall expected in the district was 191 mm, and the actual rainfall recorded was only 57 mm. Since June, every month the district recorded deficit rainfall.

A maize grower spends roughly ₹20,000 an acre on seed and fertiliser. Without corn formation, Haleshappa said, there is nothing to harvest or take to the market.

Omkarappa and his brother Gudadappa grew maize on their three-acre farm at Kempinakoppa in Kumsi hobli. “We spent ₹60,000 altogether, and the returns will be zero,” Omkarappa said. “The plants grew to a good height, but there was no rain when it was most needed for corn formation. Gradually, the plants turned brown in the scorching heat. We have no hope of any returns. Before the next sowing season, we will have to crush whatever is left in the field and prepare the land again.”

Much of the money went on seed and fertiliser. “A bag of DAP costs ₹2,600, and we need eight bags for one round of application,” he said.

Their neighbours Chandrashekhar, H.V. Ramappa, and Pete Neelappa are in the same position. The farmers complained that Revenue Department officials are yet to visit their fields to assess crop loss.

Ragi growers are also badly affected. Grain formation has been poor, causing heavy losses. Many farmers fear they will not have enough ragi for their families for the coming year.

Government response

The government of Karnataka has declared a drought in five of the district’s taluks (Shivamogga, Bhadravati, Sorab, Shikaripur, and Tirthahalli). Shivamogga and Bhadravati are severely hit.

“The Agriculture Department is currently conducting a ground-truthing (GT) survey in sample areas. A joint survey by the Agriculture, Horticulture, and Revenue departments will follow. We will know the extent of loss caused to growers of maize, ragi, paddy, and other crops during the survey,” said M. Kiran Kumar, Joint Director of Agriculture in Shivamogga.