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.
