Chikkamagaluru: Unseasonal rainfall in Chikkamagaluru and Sakleshpura and Belur taluks of Hassan has raised fears of coffee crop losses among Malnad growers already facing a rainfall deficit and growing conflict with wild elephants, gaur and monkeys.Showers attributed to climate vagaries have lashed parts of the region for several days. Planter Arun said untimely rain was causing berries to drop, adding to growers’ existing challenges. Growers were unusually harvesting coffee berries while also planting new saplings because of the rain, he said.Planter Deepak said growers must take preventive measures in advance because climate fluctuations were unpredictable. Meteorological department has forecast that unseasonal rain may continue until Dec. This year, Chikkamagaluru district has received about 50% of expected rainfall, leaving a substantial deficit.Deepak said continued rain would benefit Robusta coffee but create problems for Arabica growers.Coffee Board advised growers to use solar tunnel dryers to protect coffee during adverse weather. It said it was working to take premium-quality Indian coffee to the next level.Progressive planter Sharan said the rain had benefited growers affected by the earlier deficit, particularly Robusta, arecanut and black pepper cultivators, as well as Arabica growers whose plants flowered late. However, it had created difficulties for growers whose crops ripened early.Sharan said soil loses moisture without sustained rain, increasing white stem borer infestation. Intermittent showers retain soil moisture and check pest incidence, meaning the unseasonal rainfall has both benefits and drawbacks.
