Mangaluru: Farmers of the coast districts, who lost their paddy crop in the floods and landslides that accompanied the South West Monsoon, continue to suffer as the heavy rain that they are receiving even now has left them uncertain about planting a second crop.
Floods and landslide in places like Belthangady in Dakshina Kannada district and many places in Uttara Kannada district damaged the paddy crop and now when it is ready for harvest, cyclone Kyarr is threatening it.
"The heavy rain of the few days is making it difficult for us to harvest the standing crop. We are harvesting it in small portions every day," said progressive farmer, B K Parameshwar of Mittabagilu village.
Mittabagilu and Malavanthige villages suffered the brunt of the heavy rain and landslides in August and their people now say they have not seen such rain during October either in about two decades. "Although it is time now for a second crop, we are not sure if such heavy rain is good for it. The paddy variety grown this season needs cold weather and not rain," said a villager.
The farmers are afraid to go in for a second crop also because the canals from the vented dams that feed the fields, are filled with sand, mud and are severely damaged in some parts due to the landslide in August.
"We are not sure if the channels will be repaired soon. If it is not done we will be in trouble as the second crop is irrigation- fed. We are confused," said a villager.
Agriculture department officials agree that the paddy crop is facing an unprecedented problem this year. "This year is probably the worst in recent memory for the paddy crop,” said an officer.
