Erratic rainfall worries farmers in Madikeri

DHNS

• Kodagu receives 565.13 mm rain; river Cauvery yet to reach the brim

Madikeri, 03 July 2010: Kodagu did not receive heavy rains this year. As a result, river Cauvery is yet to flow with brim. Only the record says, the region has received highest rainfall. The rains in Kodagu has not helped agriculture activities so far. 

 
From January to till date, Kodagu has received 565.13 mm rainfall. Last year, it was 513.31 mm during the period. The water level in Harangi reservoir is 2818.63 feet. Last year, it was 2805.44 feet during the period. The inflow of water is 353 cusecs.

Water level
Similarly, KRS reservoir has 83.10 feet water. Last year, it was 72.68 feet. The inflow of water to the reservoir on Friday was 3,109 cusecs. 4,284 cusecs of water is being released to the canal from the reservoir on Friday.

Though there was delay in rainfall last year, heavy rains had lashed the district in the month of July. By July 18, the Harangi reservoir was full last year.

Interestingly, Kodagu did not receive continuous rainfall this year. With drizzling and moderate rainfall, Cauvery river can not overflow. Talacauvery received heavy rains only last week for two days. With the recede in rainfall, the water level in Triveni Sangama has also receded. As the region did not receive heavy rainfall, there was no water in the field to undertake paddy cultivation. The rains have helped paddy cultivation in Bhagamandala, Napoklu region. Though Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts have received heavy rainfall, Kodagu is yet to receive heavy rainfall which will be suitable for cultivation.

Slow in agri activities
With the recede in rainfall, the agriculture activities are being carried out in a slower pace. The sowing can be completed only if the region receives heavy rainfall.

Paddy is grown in 35,000 hectare land in Kodagu district. ‘Musukina jola’ is grown in 3,500 hectare land and ragi is grown in 500 hectare land in the district.