According to Agriculture Department Joint Director Prakash Chavan, only 2,24,970 hectares (39.41%) of the district’s 5,70,845 hectares of cultivable area have been sown due to inadequate rains. The water level has decreased in the Rajalabanda dam on the border of Manvi taluk, exacerbating the crisis.
Impact of Deficient Rainfall
The monsoon failure has left farmers in the region struggling to save their crops. With only 39.41% of the cultivable area sown, the majority of farmland remains barren. Prakash Chavan stated that the situation is critical and farmers are worried about the upcoming kharif season.
Water Scarcity in Rajalabanda Dam
The Rajalabanda dam, a key irrigation source, has seen a significant drop in water levels. This has further limited the water available for farming, forcing farmers to rely on groundwater, which is also depleting rapidly. The dam’s reduced capacity threatens both drinking water and irrigation supplies.
Government Response and Farmer Distress
The state government has been urged to declare the region drought-hit and provide relief measures. Farmers are demanding compensation for crop losses and support for alternative livelihoods. Prakash Chavan noted that the agriculture department is monitoring the situation closely but immediate action is needed.
