Spectre of drought haunts farmers in Mysuru belt as monsoon plays truant

The delay in onset of the South West monsoon has farmers on the tenterhooks as the rainfall in Mysuru is 33% below normal.

The delay in onset of the South West monsoon has farmers on the tenterhooks as the rainfall in Mysuru is 33% below normal.

The cumulative rainfall in Mysuru district from June 1 – considered to mark the beginning of the monsoon season – till June 12 – is 24 mm which is 33% below normal and the scenario is the same across the region.

Chamarajanagar district has received 14 mm of rains so far which is 53% below normal and Mandya has received 17 mm of rainfall and is 49% below normal as on June 12, according to KSNDMC.

The scenario in the neighbouring district of Kodagu, which is the catchment area for the Cauvery, is worse and it has received 22 mm of rainfall as on Monday, June 12, and it is 83% below normal.

The situation is equally dismal in Hassan and Chikkamagaluru as their hinterland are the catchment for Hemavati river which is a major tributary of the Cauvery. Hassan has received 14 mm of rainfall and is 72% below normal and Chikkamagaluru has received 25 mm of rains at 69% below normal.

The three districts of Kodagu, Hassan and Chikkamagaluru have been classified under the ’Large Deficit’ category as the cumulative rainfall is 60% below normal.

The below-average rainfall till date in June in Mysuru and surrounding regions has raised alarmbells among the farmers of a possible drought-like situation and crop loss.