Paddy fields are disappearing in Kodagu district and farmers are showing apathy towards agriculture. Last year, it was expected that the monsoon crop would be cultivated on 34,500 hectare area. Instead only 26, 120 hectare land was cultivated. Out of this, only in 23, 270 hectare Paddy was cultivated; Jowar in 2,830 hectare and Tobacco in only 20 hectares. On an average 8,380 hectare area of cultivation was uncultivated in Kodagu district. Also, due the recent rains 7,109.04 hectare of paddy fields have been severely damaged. As the years roll by, the district is witnessing climate change due to which the size of the 'farmer's rice bowl' is decreasing. The loss is estimated to be Rs 4.83 crore.
Average expectations: According to agriculture officers, as expected, in Kodagu for each hectare paddy field in monsoon season on an average 45 to 50 quintal of Paddy is predicted. But, due to the damages caused during the recent rains, farmers did not get the crop at the expected time because of which the department does not have the exact account of the crop.
13.05 lakh intended: Monsoon paddy crop, this year the district has witnessed many fluctuations. Thus, the department was expecting 13.05 quintal Paddy. According to the farmers, because of torrential rains they have incurred heavy loss.
Damaged fields: Major rice growing villages Hebbettageri, Kaaloor, Devasthur, Aavandi, Mukkodlu, Haleri, Hattihole, Madapur and the surrounding villages have lost the major part of fields with crops to the rain. Many farmers would be reluctant to grow paddy in the future.
(This article is translated by xklsv internet media pvt. Ltd, from shakthidaily.info; the Shakthi Daily is not liable for any errors in translation.)
