📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / JThomas
Agriculture
Three weeks of no rain hits 122 taluks, half of Karnataka's crops at risk
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 08 Sep 2026, 03:11 AM
👁 2
A three‑week dry spell across 122 taluks in Karnataka has left crops vulnerable, with experts warning up to 50% loss.
The state’s meteorological department recorded a continuous three‑week period without measurable rainfall across 122 taluks of Karnataka. The prolonged dryness has severely stressed standing crops, especially paddy and millets, which depend on timely monsoon showers.
Agricultural analysts estimate that up to half of the season’s produce could be lost if the situation does not improve before the next irrigation window. Farmers in the affected regions are reporting wilting fields and reduced germination rates.
State officials have urged the irrigation department to expedite water releases from reservoirs and explore emergency relief measures. The situation underscores the vulnerability of Karnataka’s agrarian economy to erratic weather patterns.
Local NGOs are mobilising to distribute drought‑resistant seed varieties and provide advisory support, aiming to mitigate the projected losses.
The drought outlook remains uncertain, and authorities are monitoring weather forecasts closely to decide on further interventions.
Agricultural analysts estimate that up to half of the season’s produce could be lost if the situation does not improve before the next irrigation window. Farmers in the affected regions are reporting wilting fields and reduced germination rates.
State officials have urged the irrigation department to expedite water releases from reservoirs and explore emergency relief measures. The situation underscores the vulnerability of Karnataka’s agrarian economy to erratic weather patterns.
Local NGOs are mobilising to distribute drought‑resistant seed varieties and provide advisory support, aiming to mitigate the projected losses.
The drought outlook remains uncertain, and authorities are monitoring weather forecasts closely to decide on further interventions.