Drought Threatens Kharif Crops in Kalyana Karnataka, Yields May Drop by 30%
By jayesh chouhan 2026-07-13 11:15:27
Drought Threatens Kharif Crops in Kalyana Karnataka; Yields May Drop by Up to 30%
Kalaburagi/Yadgir/Bidar: A lack of consistent rainfall is severely impacting Kharif crops across the Kalyana Karnataka region. Agricultural officials anticipate a yield decline of up to 30% in areas where sowing has been completed, citing soil moisture deficiency and stunted crop growth. Major crops such as *tur* (pigeon pea), *moong* (green gram), black gram, maize, cotton, soybean, and sunflower have either failed to germinate or have begun to wither.
Statewide, only 48% of the Kharif sowing target has been achieved so far, with the figure standing at 43% for the Kalyana Karnataka region. Vijayanagara district, the worst-hit area, has seen no rainfall for the past 35 days, and sowing has been completed on only 30% of the land. D.T. Manjunath, the district's Joint Director of Agriculture, warned that if there is no significant rainfall in the coming days, 80% to 90% of the crops already sown could be lost.
Dr. G.T. Putra, Director of the Department of Agriculture, noted that crop conditions vary across regions due to differing rainfall patterns. He expressed concern that the ongoing drought could undermine government efforts made in recent years to boost cotton and *tur* production. Cotton-growing districts like Raichur and Yadgir also face the risk of reduced yields.
Hanumantappa Belagumpi, a farmer from Kalaburagi district, reported that he had sown *tur* and cotton following light rain, but the subsequent lack of precipitation has prevented the crops from germinating. However, the Agriculture Department states that if it rains soon, sowing for *tur* and cotton can still be carried out until August 15.
In Koppal district, *moong* and sunflower crops have started to wither, whereas the situation in Bidar district remains relatively better. To provide relief to farmers, the district administration and the Agriculture Department are intensifying the registration drive under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, ensuring that the maximum number of farmers can receive financial assistance in the event of crop loss.
