Hubballi: With below the normal rainfall predicted this monsoon, farmers and agricultural scientists are facing a tough challenge in coping with a possible drought situation in North Karnataka where a major part of farmland lacks irrigation facilities.
Armed with a contingency crop plan, University Agriculture Sciences (UAS) is stressing on sowing alternative seeds depending on rainfall and soil fertility. They are working in tandem with the agriculture department and NGOs on water harvesting schemes to reduce the impact of drought on farmers.
North Karnataka has been experiencing a dry spell at least once in 2-3 years going by the weather forecast in the last few decades. Agricultural scientists advise farmers on various crop patterns after studying the district-wise rain forecast of the meteorological department.
“North Karnataka region has received a record 75 per cent surplus pre-monsoon showers in April and May. This indicates that there will be a delay in the monsoon this year. It will affect farmers severely”, said Dr B.T. Ninganur, professor in farm management, UAS.
Bt cotton, maize and white jowar are major crops grown in dryland areas. Agricultural scientists suggest to farmers to delay the sowing operation if the monsoon fails in June. They also advise farmers to grow less water intensive crops and short duration seed varieties that provide low yield. They give a thrust to moisture conservation technology to conserve soil moisture to control soil erosion. “We will suggest contingency crops to farmers and the agricultural department after the weather forecast by the Met Department”, said Venkatesh, principal scientist, agro-meteorology, Bijapur Agricultural Research Centre.
Ground water has receded considerably in North Karnataka as farmers dig borewells during drought. Sankalp Rural Development Society has chosen five districts in Mumbai-Karnataka to recharge borewells in rural areas with financial aid from farmers. “The region is experiencing lot of variation in rainfall timing. Therefore, we are focussing on rainwater harvesting with the assistance of NABARD”, said Society CEO Sikandar Meeranayak.
