​A prolonged dry spell and severe moisture deficiency have dealt a heavy blow to cotton cultivation across Yadgir district in Karnataka this kharif season. Despite exceeding sowing targets, farmers are staring at a drastic reduction in yield and significant financial losses.

​According to data provided by the Agriculture Department of Karnataka, the district set a target of 2.02 lakh hectares for cotton cultivation this season. However, farmers covered 2.20 lakh hectares across both rainfed and irrigated lands, achieving 108% of the target, after initial showers.

​The initial enthusiasm, however, turned to dismay as rainfall deficit severely crippled crop development. Deficit rainfall at later stages impacted cotton crop across 1.55 lakh hectares — accounting for over 70% of the total sown area. Between June and the end of September, Yadgir received just 339 mm of rainfall against an average normal of 515 mm, marking a 34% precipitation deficit.

​Unfavourable weather conditions and soil moisture stress attracted brown disease and led to pest infestation across both dry and irrigated land.

​”Had there been timely rainfall during the critical growth phase, the yield would have been far better, and the crop could have resisted pest attacks and brown disease,” said Channappa Anegundi, a local farmer leader.

​Yield projections

​Yield projections for the region reflect a grim reality. Growers in rain-fed areas expect a meagre yield of 2 to 3 quintals per acre, while those with irrigated holdings anticipate 5 to 7 quintals per acre.

​Even farmers with access to irrigation facilities report severe damage to crop quality, due to weather change.

”I irrigated my land on time, but do not expect more than 5 to 6 quintals per acre because the changing weather conditions directly impaired boll development,” said Vijay Gulgi, a local farmer.

​The financial strain on the farming community is compound. On average, growers incurred an expenditure of around ₹30,000 per acre toward seed procurement, weeding, chemical spraying, and general crop maintenance.

​Although prevailing open-market prices for cotton range between ₹9,500 and ₹9,700 per quintal depending on quality, the drastic drop in production might result in returns failing to cover input costs.

​”Growers are facing insurmountable losses this time. Most will struggle to recover even half of the total expenditure they incurred on the current production,“ according to Chamarasa Malipatil, another prominent farmer leader.