KOLAR: Continuous spell of rain in several parts of Kolar district for the past two weeks has brought cheer to the farmers. Sowing is in progress in many villages and a majority of the farmers are opting for groundnut, tur dal, ragi, jowar and maize. According to Joint Director of Agriculture Department Chikkanna, the farmers have been advised to sow sesame, groundnut, maize and ragi. They have also been advised to complete sowing of groundnut seeds before June 15, ragi and paddy by July-end. Seeds are being distributed to farmers as per the guidelines of the Agriculture Department, he said. Agricultural Department technical officer S Ravi Kumar said that tur dal is expected to be grown in 4,500 hectares, groundnut in 11,500 hectares, ragi in 62,000 hectares and paddy in 8,000 hectares this season. According to the Statistics Department, the district received 809.2 mm rainfall from May 1 to 16. Kolar received the highest of 255.6 mm followed by Bangarpet 177.5 mm, Srinivasapur 140.5 mm, Malur 120.2 mm and Mulbagal recorded the lowest of 115.4 mm rainfall. Gopalappa of Chowda Dinne Halli in Narasapura taluk, who owns four acres, said that the early start of monsoon has given hope to the farmers who were reeling under the drought effect. I will grow ragi in half my land and groundnuts in the remaining land, he said. The showers have not only helped the farmers to start agricultural activities but also raised the ground water level, said Chandrappa of Srinivasapur. The recent rains have recharged some of the dried borewells. If the rains continue, it will help farmers to continue with their agri activities, he said. Muniraju, former zilla panchayat member and an agriculturalist who owns 20 acres at Tholenahalli in Bangarpet taluk, said: “No doubt the rains have brought cheer to the farmers but it is not sufficient for a healthy crop.” As all most all the borewells and lakes are dried up and there is need to ensure water for crops even when there are no rains, he opined.
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