Hassan: The picturesque hilly regions of Hettur and Yasalur Hobali, known for their lush coffee, pepper, and arecanut plantations, are grappling with severe crop damage due to relentless heavy rains. The recent monsoon season, marked by unprecedented weather patterns, has led to the destruction of more than half of the commercial crops in these areas.
The relentless rainfall, which has been recorded at double the average for these regions, has created a dire situation for local farmers. Robusta coffee, a crop sensitive to weather conditions, has been particularly hard-hit. This variety requires consistent heavy rainfall starting from February for a successful harvest. However, the current monsoon began poorly and was characterized by unanticipated heavy rains extending through May. As a result, over 60% of robusta coffee plantations with drip irrigation systems have suffered significant damage. Arabica coffee plantations, despite having similar irrigation systems, are also facing challenges due to strong winds causing branches to break and fall.
The excessive moisture has exacerbated the problem, leading to the prevalence of stem borer and blight disease among the crops. Villagers report rainfall levels that are 150% above the normal, with some areas experiencing up to 400 cm of rain. This has led to severe rotting in robusta coffee plants, compounding the already difficult situation.
HJ Devaraj, president of the Hobli Unit of the Coffee Growers Association, highlighted the extent of the devastation. He noted that many villages near the Western Ghats are facing severe impacts due to the heavy rains and strong winds. The situation has left many coffee and spice plantations looking like bare sticks, devoid of leaves and productive potential.
The extreme weather conditions have raised significant concerns among local farmers who are now faced with the uncertainty of their future. The damage to crops not only affects their immediate livelihood but also poses long-term challenges for the agricultural economy in the region.
The local farming community is calling for urgent support and intervention to mitigate the effects of the ongoing crisis. Measures such as immediate relief and long-term strategies to combat the impact of extreme weather are essential to help farmers recover and rebuild their livelihoods.
The current situation underscores the vulnerability of agriculture to changing climatic conditions and highlights the need for robust weather adaptation strategies to safeguard the livelihoods of those dependent on farming in these hilly regions.
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