Chikkamagaluru: After days of sweltering heat and overcast skies, Malnad finally received widespread rain on Monday, bringing much-needed relief to farmers across the region.The coffee-growing belt, including Sringeri, NR Pura, Mudigere, Kalasa, Koppa and parts of Chikkamagaluru city, witnessed continuous rainfall. In several low-lying areas of Kalasa and Charandi, incessant rain led to water entering houses.With coffee, pepper and areca crops facing moisture stress due to deficient rainfall, the showers have revived hopes of improved yields. Planters, who had been anxiously awaiting rain, said the current spell would aid the crucial bean development stage if it continues for a few more days.Sringeri taluk has been experiencing thunder and heavy rain since Sunday night. The downpour continued until Tuesday morning, disrupting normal life. Pilgrims in Sringeri town struggled to navigate the rain, while power supply and mobile connectivity were affected in rural areas such as Menase, Kigga, Kerekatte, Nemmaru, Begaru and Kotegodu.Balehonnur and surrounding areas also received heavy rainfall. The showers, which began around 7am and continued till 10am, caught many residents by surprise after a prolonged spell of dry and hot weather. Locals said the rain brought down temperatures and would benefit paddy, coffee and areca crops.Coffee planter Arun Kumar said he had been waiting for rain to apply manure to his plantation. “Due to excessive heat, manuring was delayed. I was worried about the high temperatures. The rain has provided temporary relief, and it would be even better if it continues for a few more days,” he said.The situation had been particularly difficult for paddy growers, many of whom were forced to pump water from streams and rivers to irrigate their fields.Chandrashekar, a farmer from NR Pura taluk, said he had pumped water from a stream to his paddy field for the first time in nearly 50 years. “If the dry conditions continue, it will be difficult to harvest paddy. The recent rain has helped significantly, but we need regular showers,” he said.
