Shivamogga: Despite Shivamogga district recording a steep 55% deficit in normal rainfall this June, deputy commissioner Prabhulinga Kavalikatti on Saturday urged farmers not to panic, assuring them that the district administration is well prepared to handle the situation.Speaking to reporters, he said paddy sowing in the district typically continues until the end of Aug. With sufficient time still available, the current dry spell is unlikely to trigger a major agricultural crisis. At present, only about 13% of sowing has been completed across the district, as many farmers are waiting for better rainfall. Encouragingly, precipitation has picked up across Shivamogga over the past two to three days.Referring to crop losses caused by earlier unseasonal rains, the DC said details of damage to horticultural crops have already been uploaded to the govt’s relief portal. Compensation will be disbursed once funds are released by the state govt.On the drinking water front, Kavalikatti said the district remains in a comfortable position, with reservoirs holding adequate stocks to meet potable water requirements. However, water cannot yet be released for irrigation as inflows need to improve significantly, he added.Water scarcity remains highly localised, with tanker supply currently being provided to only three villages in Thirthahalli taluk. He also noted that there is no immediate need to open cattle shelters, as the district has sufficient fodder reserves to last nearly 10 months.The district administration is simultaneously working to restore its weather-monitoring infrastructure. Of the 280 rain gauge stations in the district, 208 were initially found to be non-functional. Repairs are under way, and work orders for the remaining 44 stations have already been issued. The entire network is expected to become operational by next week.Kavalikatti said a comprehensive agricultural contingency plan has been prepared in case the monsoon remains weak. The agriculture department has already begun advising farmers on alternative measures, including the cultivation of short-duration paddy varieties and adoption of intercropping practices in maize fields.
