Agriculture news

Earlier in August, farmers in Davanagere demanded that water from the Bhadra reservoir be released into irrigation canals to protect kharif crops. At a meeting in Davanagere, farmer representatives expressed frustration that they had to repeatedly protest each year to secure irrigation water despite adequate storage being reported in the reservoir. They sought canal water release by August 15 so that agricultural activities and crop cultivation could proceed without further delay. The issue later developed into a wider debate among farmer groups over whether available Bhadra water should be used immediately or conserved for the summer cropping season.

A group of farmers from the Bhadra command area urged the government not to immediately release canal water, arguing that the available reservoir storage should instead be conserved for continuous irrigation beginning in January. They said releasing water for late paddy transplantation could reduce yields because planting would be delayed until the end of September. The farmers suggested that providing water continuously for roughly 120–130 days during the summer cropping period could support better paddy production and improve groundwater recharge. They called for irrigation decisions to be made after consultation with agriculture and horticulture experts.

Agricultural concerns intensified in Jagaluru after the taluk was excluded from the initial list of drought-affected areas even though several other taluks in Davanagere district were included. Jagaluru MLA B. Devarajappa said the region was experiencing severe drought conditions and pointed out that the taluk lacks a major river or dependable irrigation source. The exclusion raised concerns that local farmers could miss timely drought-relief support if the situation is not reassessed. State-level officials have reportedly indicated that Jagaluru may be considered during a second round of drought identification.

Inadequate rainfall has created serious irrigation problems for arecanut growers across parts of Davanagere and neighbouring central Karnataka districts. Farmers have increasingly depended on water tankers and borewells to prevent their plantations from drying out. Some growers are reportedly diverting groundwater that might otherwise be used for paddy, ragi, maize, vegetables and groundnut, increasing competition for already limited water supplies. Continued rainfall deficiency could therefore affect not only arecanut plantations but also other food and field crops cultivated in the region.

Arecanut prices continued to fluctuate in Davanagere district, an important development for growers in Channagiri, Honnali and surrounding areas where the crop provides a major source of agricultural income. On August 31, Rashi arecanut was reported at a maximum of ₹52,749 per quintal and a minimum of ₹40,000, with an average price of about ₹49,510. The average was slightly higher than the preceding reported market level, giving some hope to growers after recent price uncertainty. Farmers continue to closely monitor market demand because even small movements in arecanut prices can significantly affect plantation income.

Farmers and the BJP Raitha Morcha observed a Davanagere bandh on September 1 over concerns surrounding Bhadra reservoir water and the impact of the Karnataka government’s gutka and pan-masala ban on arecanut growers. Protesters argued that water should first be secured for agricultural requirements in the Davanagere region before additional quantities are released elsewhere. Leaders also claimed that uncertainty surrounding the gutka ban had affected demand and prices for arecanut, creating financial pressure for growers. Demonstrations were reported at several locations across Davanagere as farmers demanded government intervention on irrigation and crop-price concerns.