Paddy harvesting picks up in Yadgir

Paddy growers in Yadgir district face water shortage, hailstorms, and low yields, prompting calls for government support.

Paddy harvesting has gained momentum in Yadgir district. But farmers under the irrigation network are worried over yield being short of target owing to water shortage during the crucial period of crop growth.

Paddy growers, who fought for water from Basavasagar Reservoir in Narayanpur during the grain development stage, do not have much hopes in getting the expected yield.

Krishna Bhagya Jal Nigam Limited (KBJNL) authorities discharged water between April 4 and 6 (0.80 tmcft every day) when the issue reached the High Court of Karnataka in Kalaburagi.

“Owing to a shortage of water, the yield will be affected. We grow 45 bags of paddy, each bag weighing 75 kg of grain, when we got sufficient water. But, this time, it will be 35 bags per acre, which is short of our expectations,” farmer leader Channappa Anegundi told The Hindu.

Growers faced another difficulty with a natural disaster. The recent unseasonal rain accompanied by gusty winds and hailstorms destroyed paddy on several hundred acres.

The affected growers demanded compensation of ₹25,000 per acre and also sought immediate assessment of crop damage.

“Hailstorms and rain badly affected paddy in various parts of Shahapur taluk even on Wednesday night. We were about to harvest the crop. But, after this incident, it is difficult for us to get the expected yield,” Malkanna Chinti, a farmer from Mandagalli village, said.