Local farmers heavily rely on the Tungabhadra canal for their water supply each year. Unfortunately, the authorities have been unable to release water into the canal this year due to the insufficient rainfall.
August saw Ballari district experiencing a record 45 percent deficit in rainfall, the highest in the last ten years. As a result, the district is now facing a drought-like situation, posing significant difficulties for farmers who are striving to safeguard their crops.
1. Farmers engaged in paddy cultivation in the region require significant water resources, which has led to the use of tractors for irrigation. The most affected areas include Ballari, Siruguppa, Kampli, and Kurugodu.
2. The district has a vast agricultural land area of 1,78,97 hectares, with paddy cultivation being a major activity that demands substantial water resources. However, this year, the region has witnessed only 176 mm of rainfall, deviating from the average of 276 mm. In contrast, the previous year saw an excess of rainfall with 795 mm, surpassing the standard by 30 percent. This year, the district may struggle to meet its drinking water needs.
3. The use of tractors for irrigation has become necessary for paddy cultivation in the region, which demands a significant amount of water resources. Ballari, Siruguppa, Kampli, and Kurugodu are the most severely affected areas.
4. Agricultural activities cover an extensive land area of 1,78,97 hectares in the district, with paddy cultivation being a significant activity that requires substantial water resources. However, this year has witnessed only 176 mm of rainfall, which is a significant deviation from the typical average of 276 mm. In contrast, the previous year saw an abundance of rainfall with 795 mm, surpassing the standard by 30 percent. This year, the district's drinking water requirements may not be met, raising concerns.
5. The region's paddy cultivation, which demands a considerable amount of water resources, has forced farmers to use tractors for irrigation. Ballari, Siruguppa, Kampli, and Kurugodu are the most affected areas.
6. The district's agricultural activities cover a vast land area of 1,78,97 hectares, with paddy cultivation being a significant activity that requires substantial water resources. Unfortunately, this year has witnessed a notable deviation from the average rainfall of 276 mm, with only 176 mm recorded. In contrast, the previous year saw an excess of rainfall with 795 mm, surpassing the standard by 30 percent. The district's ability to meet its drinking water requirements is a concern this year.
According to an agriculture officer who wished to remain anonymous, the situation is severe and could pose daunting challenges to tackle the impending drought-like conditions. On the other hand, Shantakumar S, a farmer from Kurugodu, shared the difficulties faced by farmers and urged the government to evaluate crop damage and promptly announce compensation. Despite the district receiving some rainfall in the last two days, the amount remains insufficient to alleviate the approaching drought-like crisis, as emphasized by the agriculture officer.