Mysuru: Despite 18 Karnataka districts receiving below normal rain from June 1 to July 21, with a state-wide deficit of 2%, sowing activities are in full swing. The state agriculture department reports that 70% of the targeted sowing was completed by July 18. Notably, two districts achieved 99% of their sowing targets. Meanwhile, water storage reached 97% of the capacity of four major dams of the Cauvery basin, the highest in the state.In Karnataka, the agriculture department has set a target of sowing in 82.5 lakh hectares in this monsoon season. Till now, sowing was completed in 57.8 lakh hectares. Bidar and Gadag have achieved the highest percentage of sowing with the achievement of 99% of the targeted area. Dharwad achieved 98%, Vijayanagara and Bagalkot districts achieved 97%, while Belagavi has achieved 95%.According to the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) data, between June 1 and July 21, South Interior Karnataka recorded 19% below normal rain. Among the 11 districts, only two recorded excess rainfall. Among the 13 districts of North Interior Karnataka, six recorded deficit rain. The region recorded a 7% deficit in rainfall. The Malnad region, consisting of four districts, recorded a 5% deficit in rain. With 7% excess rain, only the coastal region recorded excess rainfall.The data also revealed that 77% of the storage in the state reservoirs is now full. With water levels reaching maximum levels in all four major dams, the Cauvery water basin reservoirs have the highest water storage at 97%.Meanwhile, farmers are optimistic about a good crop and good rates for their farm products. According to the Karnataka Rajya Raita Sangha and Hasiru Sene president, Badagalapura Nagendra the sowing activities are good across the state. “However, many districts are yet to get normal rain. The cold weather and light showers helped farmers to carry out sowing activities. The underground water level is yet to improve,” he said. Farming update* Agri dept has set a target of sowing in 82.5 lakh ha this monsoon season* Two districts in state achieved 99% of their sowing * Of the 13 districts in North Interior Karnataka, six recorded deficit rain
