Bhatkal: Following early rains, agriculture activities have gained momentum in Bhatkal. The farmer community, emboldened by the arrival of good rains, are busy preparing their fields for sowing.

To help the farmers, the agriculture department has already started supplying sowing seeds and so far, the department has distributed 1,020 quintal seeds in Mavalli and Soosagadi.

This time, the farmers in Bailuru, Mavalli, Kaikini, Bengre and Shirali have opted for paddy growing.

In full swing:

The cultivation will be in full swing from second week of June. The department has also procured Sufala, MOP, Urea and other fertilisers and will the same through Raitha Samparka Kendras.

The farmers opine that if the region gets good rains till September it would be a bonanza.

The department is supplying seeds with 50% subsidy. This apart, vermicompost, pesticides, farm equipments, pumpsets too are being given. As per the statistics provided, the department has targetted paddy sowing in 3,500 hectare land this kharif. As per guidelines of the government, Incidentally, August 31 is the last date towards enrollment for the crop insurance.