Karnataka: Belagavi Achieves 95% Sowing Target Despite 4% Rainfall Deficit
Belagavi (Karnataka): Despite receiving 4% less monsoon rainfall than normal, Karnataka's Belagavi district has delivered an impressive performance by achieving 95% of its sowing target for the Kharif season. According to the Agriculture Department, sowing has been completed across 7.16 lakh hectares against a set target of 7.52 lakh hectares—the highest coverage in the state. Officials state that a good yield is expected this season due to the adequate availability of seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural equipment, combined with favorable weather conditions.
The district has recorded 341 mm of rainfall so far, compared to the normal average of 354 mm. This represents a deficit of only 4%, which did not significantly impact sowing operations. Department data shows sowing coverage as follows: paddy 49,554 hectares (88.61%) against a target of 55,925 hectares; cowpea 1,17,001 hectares (75.9%) against 1,54,032 hectares; tur (pigeon pea) 14,084 hectares (96.4%) against 14,600 hectares; groundnut 13,166 hectares (99.5%) against 13,230 hectares; cotton 17,578 hectares (70.3%) against 25,000 hectares; and other crops 10,457 hectares (45.9%) against 22,773 hectares. Meanwhile, sowing exceeded targets for several crops: soybean reached 1,10,726 hectares (111.8%) against a target of 99,000 hectares; moong (green gram) reached 55,044 hectares (115.2%) against 47,752 hectares; urad (black gram) reached 17,204 hectares (114.6%) against 15,000 hectares; and sugarcane reached 31,220 hectares (102.04%) against a target of 30,500 hectares.
At the taluka level, Savadatti (105%) and Bailhongal (104%) delivered the best performance. Sowing has been completed 100% in Kittur and Nippani. Additionally, sowing coverage was recorded at 99% in Chikkodi, 95% in Raibag, 94% in Hukkeri, Khanapur, and Yargatti, 92% in Gokak, Mudalagi, and Kagwad, 91% in Athani and Ramdurg, and 84% in Belagavi taluka.
Rahul Shinde, Chief Executive Officer of the Zilla Panchayat, stated that against a demand for 37,543 quintals of seeds for the Kharif season, 37,267 quintals were stocked. So far, 31,669 quintals have been distributed to farmers, while 5,598 quintals remain available. He affirmed that there is no shortage of seeds in the district and that necessary steps are being taken to ensure the benefits of government schemes reach farmers on time.
H.D. Kolekar, Joint Director of Agriculture, reported that the district required 2,50,736 tonnes of fertilizer for the Kharif season, and 2,87,370 tonnes have been supplied so far. Furthermore, adequate stocks of 8,408 tonnes of Urea and 1,265 tonnes of DAP are available. Officials say that better production is expected in the district this season due to adequate agricultural resources and favorable weather.
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