Hailstorms and Winds Wreak Havoc on Karnataka's Coffee and Areca Belt
Heavy rainfall accompanied by intense hailstorms and powerful winds has inflicted significant damage on coffee and areca crops in the key agricultural districts of Chikkamagaluru and Hassan in Karnataka. The severe weather conditions have resulted in major losses for planters, with concerns mounting over the impact on next season's yields and crop quality.
Widespread Damage Across Multiple Taluks
The hailstorms struck during the critical flowering period of coffee plants, leading to broken branches, dropped berries, and shredded leaves. In Chikkamagaluru district, the taluks of Koppa, Sringeri, Mudigere, and Chikkamagaluru itself were particularly hard hit by hailstones. Similarly, plantations in Sakleshpura and Belur taluks within Hassan district suffered severe damage.
Many coffee estates were in full bloom when the hailstones pounded the region, directly damaging the coffee berries and immature plants. This has raised serious worries about reduced production for the coming year and compromised bean quality.
Planters Voice Concerns Over Fungal Risks and Crop Losses
Paramesha, a local planter, highlighted an additional threat: the high moisture from melting hail combined with ongoing rain increases the risk of fungal infections and black rot disease in coffee plants, which could further degrade the quality of coffee beans.
The damage was not limited to hailstorms alone. Three days prior, strong winds in Mudigere taluk caused severe crop destruction. According to planter Rajath, several trees in forest areas and silver oak plantations were uprooted, severely damaging coffee plants in the process. He noted that Arabica plants were especially affected by the combination of wind and hailstones.
Areca Plantations Also Suffer Heavy Losses
The areca crop has not been spared either. Thousands of areca plants were uprooted in Koppa taluk due to the strong winds. K K Ravi from Kudregundi reported that nearly 80 plants were damaged by wind last week, with all fully-grown plants being uprooted and hailstones damaging standing crops.
Another planter, Arun, who lost about 60 plants, mentioned that even existing ones took a heavy battering from the extreme weather.
Official Assessment and Farmer Advisory
Officials from the horticulture department have confirmed that areca plants were severely affected across the Malnad belt. Farmers have been advised to take necessary precautions to mitigate further damage and protect their remaining crops.
The combined impact of hailstorms, rainfall, and strong winds has created a challenging situation for coffee and areca planters in the region, with the full extent of losses still being assessed.
