Farmers in Honnavar, a region known for its agricultural activity, are reeling from severe crop damage caused by a combination of wildlife attacks, diseases, and extreme weather conditions. The once-thriving farmlands have become a source of growing distress, as farmers are unable to protect their crops from the barrage of threats, leaving them unable to reap the rewards of their hard work.
In several parts of Honnavar, wild animals have become a significant threat to agriculture, particularly for crops like arecanut, coconut, and banana. Monkeys and wild boars, in particular, are causing widespread damage. During the day, monkeys raid arecanut and tender coconut fields, stripping the plants of their fruit and leaves. At night, wild boars are wreaking havoc on banana and arecanut saplings, uprooting them or damaging them beyond repair.
The destructive behaviour of these animals has left farmers with no recourse, as the wildlife invades their fields despite efforts to deter them. Farmers have expressed their frustration over the constant loss of crops and the inability to protect their livelihood.
While wildlife attacks have taken a toll, farmers are also battling severe fungal infections. The excessive rainfall experienced this year has created the perfect conditions for fungal diseases, especially yellow leaf disease, to spread rapidly across arecanut farms.
The Horticulture Department has reported that at least 102 hectares of arecanut farms in areas like Hirebail, Mahime, Nagarabastikeri, Chittara, and Jalavalli have been affected by this disease. The disease causes yellowing of the leaves and significantly weakens the affected trees, making them vulnerable to further damage. Many farmers have reported that entire rows of their arecanut plantations have been destroyed by this outbreak.
According to local farmers, the fungal disease is not only causing direct damage to the crops but is also creating long-term economic instability. With an estimated 200,000 arecanut trees affected, many farmers are unsure how they will recover their losses, especially as the disease continues to spread.
In addition to wildlife and disease issues, the region has also faced severe weather challenges. The monsoon season, which has brought heavy rains and strong winds, has caused thousands of trees to fall across farmland, further damaging crops and agricultural infrastructure. As the rains continue, farmers are reporting further damage to trees, with arecanut, coconut, and banana plants showing signs of severe stress.
In some regions, after the monsoon season ended, farmers noticed their arecanut and coconut trees showing signs of leaf reddening, a condition that experts believe may be linked to lightning strikes. These extreme weather events, including gusty winds and thunderstorms, have left many farmers feeling helpless as they face unpredictable damage to their crops.
Local farmer Gurudatta Appagal, who has been farming in the region for many years, expressed his deep frustration over the ongoing challenges. “During this year’s monsoon, we have seen an unprecedented outbreak of fungal diseases, and at least 200,000 arecanut trees on our land have been damaged,” he said. Appagal added that the combined impact of wildlife, disease, and severe weather conditions has caused a massive financial setback for his farm.
The constant struggle to protect crops from wild animals, manage the effects of disease, and cope with the aftermath of extreme weather conditions has pushed many farmers to the brink. They are now calling for immediate support from the government, especially in the form of financial assistance, pest control measures, and wildlife management solutions.
As the farmers of Honnavar continue to grapple with the combined threats to their livelihood, many are hoping that the state government will step in to address the crisis. While the Horticulture Department has been active in monitoring the fungal disease outbreaks, farmers believe that more proactive measures, such as the introduction of disease-resistant plant varieties and better pest management strategies, are essential to mitigating the risks to their crops.
Additionally, farmers are urging the government to implement stronger wildlife control measures to protect crops from the ongoing threats posed by monkeys, wild boars, and other animals. Without these interventions, many fear that agricultural production in the region could face further decline, putting their livelihood and the local economy in jeopardy.
The farmers in Honnavar are facing a difficult and uncertain future as they battle multiple threats to their crops. From the ongoing wildlife attacks to the devastating fungal diseases and extreme weather events, their struggles seem endless. However, with support from the government and timely interventions, there is hope that the agricultural sector in Honnavar can be revived and that farmers can once again thrive.