The delayed onset of the monsoon and deficit rainfall have taken a toll on vegetable crop cultivation in Belagavi district. Farmers, who usually rely on rainfed areas for vegetable cultivation, have been unable to proceed with planting this year due to the prolonged delay in rainfall.
The shortage of rainfall has resulted in a significant reduction in vegetable cultivation across the entire district. With the rain delay, the vegetable crop area has diminished, creating a scenario where the demand and prices for vegetables are expectedly high. Officials from the Horticulture Department reveal that this year’s target was to cultivate vegetable crops in 22,000 hectares within the district. However, due to the lack of sufficient rainfall, only around 7,000 hectares have been cultivated, accounting for a mere 32% of the intended area.
A substantial portion of the vegetable-growing areas relies heavily on rainfed land and has limited dependence on irrigation. Gokak taluk within the district stands as a significant hub for vegetable cultivation. The vegetables produced in Ghataprabha and the surrounding areas of Gokak taluk experience substantial demand not only within the state but also in other states and even abroad. Unfortunately, the reduction in vegetable crop area due to deficient rainfall has led to the halting of vegetable exports from Belagavi to various cities including Goa, Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
In terms of specific crops, the situation is concerning. The target for onion cultivation was set at 5,000 hectares, but only 1,100 hectares have been planted, achieving a mere 22% of the target. Similarly, chili cultivation was supposed to cover 1,200 hectares, but it has been limited to 900 hectares, reaching only 75% of the target. Cabbage, which was initially planned for 2,400 hectares, has been cultivated in only 650 hectares, and tomatoes have been planted in 1,150 hectares, achieving 85% of the target. Crops like cucumber and ridge gourd, initially allocated 1,200 hectares, are now limited to 540 hectares, achieving only 41% of the target. Other crops such as okra, beetroot, beans, and carrots have also been affected, with their cultivation areas falling below 38%.
As a result of these challenges, the market is experiencing a shortage of vegetables. The disruption has not only impacted exports but has also necessitated the import of vegetables into the district. Sambhaji Shinde, a local vegetable farmer, remarked that Belagavi district has historically been known for exporting vegetables and has never needed to import them. Kiran Kumar, Assistant Director of the Horticulture Department, attributed the decrease in vegetable sowing and production to the lack of rain and delayed monsoon.
Mahantesh Murugod, Deputy Director of the Horticulture Department, explained that crops thrive where irrigation is available. In the face of the current situation, efforts are being directed towards managing these challenges and ensuring the best possible outcome for local farmers and the agricultural sector at large.
