Bhatkal: Unseasonal rain lashed several parts of Karnataka from Tuesday evening, causing widespread concern among farmers and affecting agricultural activities across districts including Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, Shivamogga, Belagavi and Kodagu (Madikeri). The untimely showers have impacted standing and harvested crops such as coffee, paddy, areca nut and black pepper.
In Chikkamagaluru district, heavy rain accompanied by strong winds was reported in areas including Mudigere, Koppa, Sringeri, Kalasa, Kudremukh, Hornadu, Balehonnur and surrounding regions. Coffee beans and fruits spread out in courtyards and open spaces for drying were soaked, while in several places they were washed away by rainwater, leaving growers distressed. Farmers said that persistent cloudy weather over the past week had already made drying coffee difficult, and the sudden downpour further worsened the situation.
Similar conditions were reported from Kodagu district, where cloudy weather and intermittent drizzle over the past few days have adversely affected coffee and paddy cultivation. Arabica coffee harvesting in the district is said to be nearly 70 per cent complete, while harvesting of Robusta has just begun. Growers expressed concern that excess moisture and lack of sunlight could lead to deterioration in quality and increase the risk of fungal infections, including aflatoxin contamination, which could severely impact market value.
In Hassan district, rain was reported on Tuesday evening in Belur, Sakleshpur, Hettur and Alur areas, where harvesting of paddy and coffee is currently underway. Farmers said drying harvested paddy has become difficult, while coffee berries are falling off plants due to the rain. Some growers also pointed out that the rain has added to their troubles at a time when they are already facing issues such as wild elephant attacks.
Shivamogga district, including Thirthahalli and nearby areas, witnessed continuous rain lasting between 20 and 45 minutes, disrupting normal life. Farmers in Belagavi district also reported unseasonal rain, raising concerns over crop losses.
In Dakshina Kannada district, moderate to heavy rain was reported in parts of Belthangady, Bantwal, Puttur and Sullia taluks on Tuesday evening and night. Udupi district also received rain in Udupi, Manipal, Kaup and Karkala taluks, with showers lasting for nearly an hour in some places. The rain reportedly disrupted several cultural programmes, including Yakshagana performances, in Udupi and Manipal.
Officials from the Horticulture Department said the prevailing rainy and humid conditions could increase the risk of diseases in areca nut plantations. They also noted that mango and cashew crops are currently in the flowering stage, and prolonged rain and humidity could lead to flower drop, affecting future yields.
Meanwhile, neighbouring Kerala also witnessed rainfall, with light showers reported in parts of Kasaragod district late Monday night and again on Tuesday. Farmers said heaps of areca nut and black pepper kept out for drying were soaked due to the rain. The Thiruvananthapuram Meteorological Centre had issued a yellow alert for parts of the state on Tuesday. The maximum temperature in Kasaragod was recorded at 26 degrees Celsius.
According to the India Meteorological Department, light to moderate rainfall may continue in isolated areas over the next one or two days. While the showers have provided some relief in terms of irrigation, agricultural experts cautioned that rainfall at this stage is not beneficial for standing or harvested crops, and farmers remain apprehensive about further losses.