Dakshina Kannada district has seen 50 per cent less rainfall compared to last year. In June last year, the district had received average of 885.92 mm rainfall. However, this year, it has received only 446.71 mm rainfall.
The numbers show glaring deficit of rainfall in Dakshina Kannada district this year. In 2012, though the district had received less rainfall, it was more than this year in the month of June. In 2012, the district had received 527.18 mm rainfall in June. The normal rainfall in the district is 941.80 mm.
This year Mangalore taluk has received 497.60 mm, while it was 1,132.10 mm during the corresponding period last year. Bantwal taluk received —543.4 mm (954.10 mm), Belthangady—483.4 mm (803 mm), Puttur—427.5 mm (739.60 mm) and Sullia —278.6 mm (800.80 mm). The normal rain June in Mangalore is 980 mm, Bantwal—990 mm, Belthangady—977 mm, Puttur—959 mm and Sullia—803 mm. From January till date the district has received an average of 675.856 mm rainfall, while it was 1048.80 mm during the corresponding period last year. Decline in rainfall in June has affected paddy cultivation in the district with even sowing and transplanting operations affected.
Officials said total area under paddy cultivation is 33,000 hectare during kharif season. However, owing to delay in monsoon, so far sowing activities had taken place in 1,710 hectare in the district.
Sowing activity
Last year, sowing activities had been completed in 2,527 hectare during the same period. The decrease in rainfall had affected sowing and transplanting operations. But pre-monsoon agricultural operations such as choice of good seeds, organic fertilisers and other nutrients for soil had taken place smoothly. In Mangalore taluk, out of 11,600 hectare of land, sowing has been completed in 1,150 hectare.
Out of 9,450 hectare land, sowing has been completed in 115 hectare in Bantwal taluk. In Belthangady taluk, out of 8,450 hectare land, only 93 hectare has been completed. About 320 hectare land has been completed out of 3,000 hectare in Puttur.
Sullia has lowest area of 500 hectare under paddy cultivation. Out of which, only 32 hectare has been completed. Sources said if the rain delays further, then short duration varieties of paddy like Jyothi will have to be sown. It needs 90 to 100 days for cultivation. The MO4 varieties of paddy seeds need at least 120-130 days for cultivation.
“If rain further delays, then farmers in wet fields can grow vegetables,” sources said.
Meanwhile, there was decline of 44 per cent rainfall compared to last year in Kodagu district. From June 1 to 25, the district has received on an average 30.7 cm rainfall. The normal rainfall is 48.5 cm.
The district had received 54.1 cm rainfall last year. Rain has been playing traunt in Talacauvery, the origin of river Cauvery. The region has received 70.6 cm rainfall. Compared to last year, there is a deficit of 43 per cent.
Even after 15 days of monsoon entering the district, Triveni Sangama has not submberged in Bhagamandala. The flood water has not entered bridges, roads in the district, residents said.
Owing to deficit rainfall, the inflow of water into Harangi reservoir has declined. Last year, the reservoir had 2.6 tmc feet water. This year, the water level is below one tmc feet. The storage capacity of the reservoir is 8.5 tmc feet.
The deficit rainfall has affected paddy cultivation in the district. Only 20 per cent of farmers have transplanted paddy seedlings so far.