Mangaluru/Udupi/Kasargod: After several consecutive dry days, parts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts received untimely rain from Tuesday evening, bringing temporary relief from dry conditions but also causing concern among farmers. Similar light rainfall was also reported from parts of neighbouring Kasargod district in Kerala, highlighting a brief spell of unstable weather across the coastal and adjoining regions.

According to local reports, moderate to good rainfall was experienced in several areas of Beltangady and Sullia taluks in Dakshina Kannada district, while parts of Udupi taluk also witnessed showers late into the night. The rainfall, which lasted for about an hour in many places, disrupted normal activities and affected agricultural operations, especially post-harvest drying of crops.

Rainfall across Dakshina Kannada district

In Dakshina Kannada district, rain was reported from multiple taluks, including Beltangady, Bantwal and Puttur, on Tuesday evening and night. In Beltangady taluk, several villages experienced good rainfall, providing temporary relief from dry weather conditions that had prevailed for days.

Places such as Didupe, Killur, Kolli, Malavantige, Mittabagilu, Nada, Dharmasthala, Kadirudyavara, Kakkinje, Charmady, Mundaje and Neriya recorded rainfall. Residents said the showers began in the evening and continued intermittently, accompanied by cloudy skies.

In Bantwal and Puttur taluks, rain was reported for a shorter duration, but it was sufficient to wet the ground and lower temperatures slightly. However, officials noted that the rainfall was unevenly distributed, with some areas receiving only drizzle while others experienced moderate showers.

Sullia and Kukke Subrahmanya receive moderate rain

Several parts of Sullia taluk reported moderate rainfall on Tuesday evening. Cloudy weather had prevailed since morning, and rain lashed Sullia town by evening. Areas such as Halegate, Aranthodu, Paicharu, Kollamogru, Bellare, Mandekolu and Sampaje recorded rainfall of varying intensity.

Kukke Subrahmanya and surrounding areas also received moderate rain during the night. Some parts of the taluk had experienced rainfall on Monday night as well, indicating a brief continuation of wet conditions in the region.

Farmers in Sullia said the rain caused difficulties, particularly for those drying arecanut and black pepper in open spaces. Many were seen rushing to cover the produce as the showers began unexpectedly in the evening.

Rain disrupts activities in Udupi district

In Udupi district, rain was reported from areas including Udupi, Kaup and Karkala taluks. Udupi city and Manipal experienced rainfall between 11 pm and 12.30 am, causing inconvenience to residents and disrupting several late-night programmes.

Cultural events, including Yakshagana performances, were reportedly affected due to the rain, with organisers forced to halt or delay programmes. Residents said the rain, though short-lived, was intense enough to disrupt outdoor activities.

Meteorological officials indicated that, as per current forecasts, there is a possibility of light rain in parts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts for the next one or two days.

Impact on agriculture and farmers

While the untimely rain has provided some relief in terms of soil moisture and irrigation, agricultural experts cautioned that rainfall at this stage is not beneficial for standing crops. Farmers drying arecanut and black pepper have faced considerable inconvenience, as sudden showers can damage the quality of the produce.

Sources in the horticulture department said increased moisture due to rain and cloudy conditions could lead to fungal diseases in arecanut plantations. “Excess humidity at this time can increase the risk of fungal infections, which may affect yield and quality,” an official said.

They also pointed out that crops such as mango and cashew are currently in the flowering stage. Persistent rain and high humidity during this period could result in flower drop, adversely impacting fruit set and eventual harvest.

Light rain reported in Kasargod district

In neighbouring Kasargod district of Kerala, light rain was reported around midnight on Monday in areas such as Vidyanagar, Nettanige and Pallathadka. Some regions also received rain on Tuesday, adding to farmers’ concerns.

Farmers in Kasargod said arecanut and pepper kept for drying in courtyards were soaked due to the rain, forcing them to take emergency measures to prevent losses. Though the rainfall was not heavy, its timing has raised worries among those dependent on favourable dry conditions for post-harvest processing.

Meanwhile, the Thiruvananthapuram meteorological centre had issued a yellow alert for parts of the state on Tuesday, indicating the possibility of isolated rainfall. Kasargod recorded a temperature of around 26 degrees Celsius during the day.

Conclusion

The untimely rain across parts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Kasargod has brought mixed reactions, offering brief relief from dry weather while creating challenges for farmers and disrupting normal activities. With light rain forecast for the next one or two days, authorities and agricultural experts have advised farmers to remain cautious and take preventive measures to protect crops and produce. As weather patterns continue to remain unpredictable, the focus remains on minimising agricultural losses and ensuring preparedness for sudden changes in conditions.