Chikkamagaluru: Farmers in plains of Chikkamagaluru district are the most worried as drought like situation prevails with no signs of rain. Enthused by rains during the beginning of monsoon period farmers who planted seedlings expecting a good harvest are left high and dry.
Farmers hopes diminish as they sight only clear skies every morning with no sign of rain in Kadur, Tarikere and Chikkamagalur. Rain dependent farmers are in distress as the monsoon period has ended in this region.
Considering the profits earned during last year farmers resorted to commercial crops like onions hoping rich dividends. Around 4000 acres in Kadur, Hirenallur, Giriapura, Basur, Ajjampura, Narsipura, Chomanahalli were covered with onion seedlings. Even last year these areas experienced deficit rainfall but farmers resorted to digging new bore wells to support their agricultural activities.
The areas of cultivation increased as plains in the district received good rain fall in the beginning of monsoon period. Now a drought like situation prevails and the depleting underground water levels have only added to their misery. With clouds playing hide and seek farmers are left with no other option apart from praying for rains to save their dying crops.
