Rainfall Deficit Threatens Coconut and Arecanut Yields in Coastal Karnataka

Coastal Karnataka has experienced a 29% rainfall deficit this year, according to the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC). Despite an intensification of rains in early July, paddy cultivation in the region has not yet picked up. If the deficit persists, two major crops of the region—coconut and arecanut—face the risk of low yields.

K. Balachandra Hebbar, director of the ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) in Kasaragod, Kerala, told The Hindu that the rainfall deficit could lead to an increase in whitefly infestation in coconut plantations. When temperatures rise and moisture levels in coconut palms drop, whiteflies multiply. Additionally, coconut plantations in districts such as Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, Tumakuru, Mandya, Ramanagara, and Mysuru are likely to see a rise in black-headed caterpillar infestations.

Regarding arecanut, 'Kole roga' (fruit rot disease) is typically associated with constant heavy rainfall. Scanty rainfall may protect arecanut farms from this disease, but farmers must prepare for another risk. Hebbar said that deficit rainfall will result in increased nut shedding in arecanut plantations, affecting production. This is an additional blow to many arecanut farmers whose farms have already been hit by yellow leaf disease and leaf spot disease.

Hebbar noted that CPCRI has already informed Karnataka Horticulture Department officials about precautionary measures to deal with diseases and pest threats in plantations.

Paddy cultivation in the coastal region has declined, with vast tracts of paddy fields now used for commercial activities or left uncultivated. The Department of Agriculture has set a target of 10,000 hectares for paddy sowing in Dakshina Kannada, of which only 686 hectares (6.86%) have been sown, said Honnappa Gowda, Joint Director of Agriculture. In Udupi district, against a target of 37,000 hectares, sowing has been completed in 10,300 hectares (27.84%), said G.C. Poornima, Joint Director of Agriculture. In Uttara Kannada, the target is 36,860 hectares, of which 14,378 hectares (39%) have been sown, an official said.

Dinesh Holla, an environmental activist and avid trekker in the Western Ghats for the past three decades, said that with less rainfall, Shola forests in the ghats will not retain water for the non-rainy season. Rivers and streams are likely to dry up before winter. He added that human-animal conflict may increase as wild animals search for water and food in human habitations. Hydel power production is also expected to be affected this year.