CHAMARAJANAGAR, 17 MAY

As rains lashed Chamarajanagar district over the last 10 days, farmers who had halted their agricultural activities due to drought, finally have some relief. They have now begun their agricultural activities. However, many of them who sold their cattle due to drought are facing new challenges. These farmers are now forced to shell out up to Rs 2,000 per day to rent bulls to plough their fields.

Due to the scarcity of cattle, many farmers have turned to tractors for ploughing and sowing. This shift indicates a blend of traditional and modern farming practices in response to the changing agricultural landscape.

Meanwhile, farmers who own cattle say they are only in business now, but had a hard time during drought. "The demand for us is high only during the sowing season. No one calls us on normal days," said Prasad, a local bull owner.

With the onset of monsoon, regions such as Hangala, Kasaba, Terkanambi Hobli, Chamarajanagar taluk, and Kollegal of Gundlupet taluk have experienced significant rainfall, prompting farmers to begin sowing.

The farming community has eagerly taken to the fields, with 20 per cent of the sowing work already completed. Farmers are primarily engaged in planting pulses, sunflower, corn and almonds. This uptick in agricultural activity marks a hopeful turn for the region after a prolonged dry spell.

In preparation for the rains, the Agriculture Department had proactively gathered sowing seeds, ensuring their availability at Farmer Contact Centres across Hubballi. These centres are now distributing seeds according to demand. Salar News