Udupi/Mangaluru: After a short hiatus of a fortnight, the south-western monsoons have made a welcome comeback in coastal Karnataka, rekindling hopes for a successful Khariff sowing. The farmers had been feeling disheartened as the monsoon weakened over the past week, with sporadic showers occurring only once every couple of days.
Udupi District witnessed heavy rainfall on July 21, causing damage in various areas of Karkala Taluk. Strong winds partially damaged houses in Karkala, Ninjoor, Yerlapady, Kervashe, and Bola. Additionally, incidents of fallen trees were reported in Karkala. Similar reports of partial house damage came from Karkunje in Kundapur, Cherkady in Brahmavara, Kambadakone, Shiroor in Byndoor, Innanje in Kaup, Alevoor, and Moodanidamboor in Udupi Taluk. Coastal areas like Trasi, Kodi, and Kundapur faced rough sea conditions on July 22.
According to the rain cell at the DC’s Office in the three districts, the recorded rainfall for the past 24 hours until 8.30 am on July 22 was as follows: Udupi taluk – 48.4 mm, Brahmavara – 34.9 mm, Kaup – 46.4 mm, Kundapur – 61.2 mm, Byndoor – 85.6 mm, Karkala – 76.2 mm, and Hebri – 100.0 mm. Overall, the average rainfall in Udupi district during the same period was 68.1 mm. Similarly, Uttara Kannada and Dakshina Kannada received heavy to very heavy rains with an average of 80 mm in Dakshina Kannada and 91 mm in Uttara Kannada district. With the monsoon now covering the state extensively, Khariff operations have commenced in Karnataka, and Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts are among the first to begin agricultural activities for the Khariff season.
The district, following the new agriculture policy of the state, has increased the coverage of Khariff area by 4.5 percent both in land and target for yield. The district comprises four taluks with moderate to high concentration of agricultural lands, namely in Mangaluru, Puttur, Bantwal, and Belthangady. However, in Sullia, the agricultural land under Khariff has dwindled to a meager 485 hectares.
The Agriculture Department aims to cover 35,600 hectares under Khariff in 2023 (compared to 35,090 hectares in 2022). As the district receives over 4000 mm of rain annually during the Khariff period, paddy is the most suitable crop for this season. The district has also initiated preparations to double its paddy production within the next ten years, in line with the new farm policy of the Government. Mangalore Taluk accounts for 12,700 hectares, followed by Bantwal with 9,500 hectares, Belthangady with 8,375 hectares, Puttur with 3,940 hectares, and Sullia with 485 hectares.
The difference in the area between Sullia and other taluks is significant due to the preference of people in the taluk for horticultural and plantation crops. In 1971, Sullia had nearly 2,800 hectares under paddy cultivation.
The Agriculture Research cell at the Agriculture Department in Mangaluru is currently training farmers to increase their yield per hectare and bring more land under Khariff paddy crop. Demonstration and training sessions have been organised in various taluks through 17 Raitha Sangha (Farmers clubs) in the district. Copies of ‘Pancha Suthra’ for higher yields and greater coverage have been distributed to all the Raitha Sanghas.
Despite the fertiliser and seed shortages reported in other parts of the state, the coastal areas, including the district, seem to be unaffected. The district consumes about 170 tonnes of seeds, with farmers preferring seeds sold by the Karnataka State Seed Corporation (KSSC). The farmers in the district also favour the MO-4 and Jaya varieties developed by Acharya N. G. Ranga University of Agriculture in Andhra Pradesh. These varieties are hardy, capable of withstanding heavy rains while maintaining the quality of rice.
According to statistics at the Raitha Samparka Kendra, nearly 70 per cent of farmers exchange seeds. This year, the Government has announced a higher subsidy for small and medium farmers, providing a 10 per cent subsidy on paddy seeds such as MO4, Jaya, Jyothi, and MTU 1001. Two other varieties, CTH1 (also known as Mukti) and Rasi, are still being cultivated but only in upland fields.
On July 22, the Kadra Reservoir, which had been approaching its maximum capacity, saw 50,995 cusecs of water released through its six gates. The reservoir received an inflow of 30,549 cusecs, and its current water storage stands at 31.93 meters. Despite having a maximum storage capacity of 34 meters, the district administration has instructed the KPC (Karnataka Power Corporation) to maintain the water level at 31 meters to avoid flooding, according to Sub-Divisional Officer Jayalakshmi Rayakode.
As a result, water is currently being released from the reservoir to maintain it at the prescribed level of 31 meters. At the moment, 30 thousand cusecs of water are being used to generate electricity, and an additional 21 thousand cusecs are being released through the gates. In total, 51 thousand cusecs of water are flowing out of the reservoir. Due to the substantial inflow, the KPC is managing the water release in a phased manner.
On the previous day, July 21, 5 thousand cusecs of water were also released from two gates of the reservoir.
Given the situation, fishermen have been warned to avoid fishing in the Kali River, and residents living along the riverbanks are advised to relocate to safer areas, as there is a possibility of sudden and excessive water release.
In response to the situation, Karwar Ankola MLA Satish Sail held a meeting with KPC officials and urged them to prioritise public safety in the Kadra vicinity. He also instructed them to make necessary arrangements, including providing boats, in case of flooding.”