Mandya: Mandya district minister N Cheluvarayaswamy and Kodagu district minister PM Narendraswamy on Sunday inspected cowpea and sesame crops affected by rainfall deficit and adverse weather conditions in Ragibommanahalli and Banduru villages of Malavalli taluk.The ministers visited the agricultural fields and assessed the condition of the crops firsthand. They interacted with farmers and gathered details about crop damage, particularly the wilting of cowpea plants, stunted growth and the expected decline in yield. Farmers explained the difficulties they were facing due to inadequate rainfall and unfavourable weather conditions.They directed officials to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the crop loss and prepare a detailed report on the ground situation. They said govt would take appropriate measures based on the report submitted by the departments concerned.MLC Malavalli Shivanna, DC Kumara and ZP chief executive officer KR Nandini were present.Meanwhile, Cheluvarayaswamy said the state govt is collecting comprehensive information on the drought situation and crop conditions in various parts of the state, with particular focus on crops sown during the pre-monsoon period in the Mysuru and Mandya regions.Speaking after inspecting drought-affected agricultural fields, the minister said the govt initiated a detailed assessment of crop conditions following inadequate rainfall. He said the monsoon is expected to be brisk during the second week of Aug.
