Heavy and continuous downpours have wreaked havoc on essential crops such as red gram, cotton, and sugarcane throughout Kalaburagi district. This extensive damage has prompted the Agriculture Department to release a vital advisory, offering guidance to farmers on effective pest and disease management.
Officials have highlighted the severe vulnerability of the district’s soil to excessive water accumulation. Historically, Kalaburagi’s soil retains moisture for up to two weeks after a single rainfall, but the recent deluge has caused widespread waterlogging.
During a press conference held on Thursday, Samad Patel, the Joint Director of Agriculture, revealed alarming statistics. Kalaburagi has experienced approximately 900 mm of rainfall between January and September this year, a significant 48% increase compared to the average 609 mm. All taluks, with the exception of Chincholi, have received above-average rainfall.
“The relentless rain since May has left countless fields inundated, leading to a surge in crop diseases like wilt and blight, causing immense hardship for our farmers,” Patel explained.
He further noted that crop losses spanning over 1.05 lakh hectares were recorded by August, with a compensation request of ₹90 crore submitted under NDRF/SDRF guidelines. The ongoing September survey is expected to reveal even higher losses, and compensation through crop insurance policies is also being processed.
The advisory specifically addresses diseases impacting red gram, cotton, and sugarcane. Farmers are urged to implement water-draining techniques, such as creating ridges and furrows in their fields. Recommendations include spraying urea to combat yellowing in red gram and applying approved fungicides to control stem blight.
For pest control, the Agriculture Department is offering pesticides at a 50% subsidy. Additionally, innovative bird-attracting eco-traps, developed by the University of Agricultural Sciences, are being promoted at an affordable price of ₹85 each.
Farm scientists from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra also stressed the importance of crop rotation to reduce soil-borne diseases and pests. Raju Teggelli, the Kendra head in Kalaburagi, stated, “Consistently planting the same crops, like cotton and red gram, often leads to recurring infestations. Rotating with cereals or oilseeds can effectively break these disease cycles.”
Mr. Patel confirmed that requests for additional seed stocks for the upcoming rabi sowing season have already been placed with the central office, and current fertilizer supplies in the district are adequate. To further support farmers, the Agriculture Department and the Krishi Vigyan Kendra will collaboratively host the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ from October 3 to 18, aiming to educate farmers on modern scientific cultivation practices.