Extreme weather has wreaked havoc on the tur dal crop in Kalaburagi, Karnataka’s largest tur-producing region, with farmers estimating a 35% crop loss. Contributing 60% of the state’s tur production, Kalaburagi is crucial to India’s supply, but excessive rainfall followed by drought conditions has severely impacted yields.
Key Details:
- Damage Scope: Two lakh hectares of tur crop out of six lakh hectares sown have been destroyed.
- Weather Impact: Excess rain delayed flowering, and November’s 75% rainfall deficit led to dry root rot and blight diseases affecting up to 40% of crops.
- Yield Decline: Average yield has dropped from 1,027 kg/hectare in 2020-21 to 873 kg/hectare last year, and may fall further.
Government Response:
- Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum has ordered a joint crop survey to assess damage.
- Farmers are urging the government for a special relief package, compensation, and crop insurance.
This crisis may drive a significant surge in tur dal prices in the coming months.
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