Karnataka Farmers Embrace Pulses and Horticulture as Climate Reshapes Agriculture
Farmers across Karnataka are undergoing a significant transformation in their cultivation practices, moving away from traditional crops and increasingly banking on pulses and horticulture. This strategic shift comes as erratic weather patterns and persistent labor shortages fundamentally reshape agricultural landscapes throughout the state.
Data Reveals Dramatic Crop Area Changes
Recent data from the agriculture and horticulture department covering 2020 to 2025 paints a clear picture of this agricultural evolution. The agricultural crop area has experienced a notable decline of 3.6%, which is significantly sharper than the 1.3% drop observed in horticulture. This divergence highlights the changing priorities among Karnataka's farming community.
The transformation becomes even more evident when examining specific crop categories:
- Cereal crops including rice, jowar, ragi, maize, bajra, and wheat have collectively declined by 4%
- Oilseed cultivation has contracted dramatically by 23%
- Commercial crops like cotton and sugarcane have fallen by 17% and 18% respectively, though tobacco surprisingly increased by 11.5%
Meanwhile, several alternative crops are gaining ground:
- Minor millets including navane (foxtail millet), saave (little millet), haraka (kodo millet), oodalu (barnyard millet), korale (finger millet or ragi), badlivari (proso or white millet), baragu (pearl millet or bajra) and barley have doubled their cultivation area
- Pulse production has increased by 10%, reflecting growing farmer interest
Mixed Trends in Horticulture Sector
The horticultural landscape presents a more complex picture with varying trends across different categories:
- Positive growth areas: Spices have increased by 19%, plantation crops by 9%, and aromatic plants by 4%
- Declining sectors: Fruit cultivation has fallen by 30%, vegetables by 16%, and medicinal plants by a substantial 39%
Climate Volatility Drives Agricultural Transformation
Climatic instability has become a defining factor in Karnataka's agricultural sector. June 2023 witnessed a severe 56% rainfall deficit during an El Niño year, followed by another deficit in August, accompanied by high temperatures throughout the kharif season. Although the 2024-25 monsoons showed some improvement, weather variability remains a persistent concern for farmers.
The human and economic impact of these climatic challenges is substantial. Between 2023 and 2025, approximately 15 lakh farmers experienced crop losses annually, triggering insurance claims worth Rs 4,401 crore, with about 10% of these claims still pending settlement.
Government Response and Expert Insights
In response to these changing agricultural patterns, the government is actively revising agro-climatic zones to better align with new cropping realities. BV Patil, chairman of the revalidation committee, explained, "Over the years, we have observed a clear shift toward horticulture. In Haveri district, farmers have transitioned from traditional agricultural crops to arecanut cultivation due to more suitable climate conditions, better remuneration prospects, and ongoing labor shortages. Meanwhile, red gram, which was never grown in Vijayapura previously, has emerged as a major crop there over the past five years, demonstrating higher yields compared to traditional growing belts like Sedam in Kalaburagi."
Dr. MN Thimmegowda from UAS GKVK provided additional perspective, stating, "Rainfall aberrations primarily affect the kharif season, when nearly 70% of crops are traditionally cultivated. Increased pre-monsoon showers during April and May have created favorable conditions for short-duration crops like pulses. We are witnessing a broader transition from annual agricultural crops to perennial horticultural crops across the state."
Additional director CB Balareddy added crucial context, noting, "Although 75–80% of landholdings remain under traditional agricultural crops, a definite shift toward horticulture driven by climate stress and labor issues is unmistakable. Arecanut cultivation in particular is expanding at a rapid pace across suitable regions."
This agricultural transformation represents more than just changing crop preferences—it reflects Karnataka farmers' adaptive strategies in response to environmental challenges and economic realities. As climate patterns continue to evolve, these shifts in cultivation practices will likely become even more pronounced, reshaping the state's agricultural identity for years to come.
