Madikeri :

The rain deficit in Kodagu, the origin of Cauvery river, has become a major cause of worry for the farmers here.

As far as the monsoon is concerned, the rainfall seems to be following an erratic pattern.

Heavy rain lashed the district in the beginning of the monsoon causing havoc. Later, it slowed down causing a drought-like situation.

Generally, in the 90-day monsoon season, the rainfall was sufficient for farmers as it was enough to fill the Harangi reservoir. But this year, the situation is different.

Though Harangi is full, Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) reservoir is yet to be filled as the crest gates in Harangi were opened only once.

Kodagu district received 60 cm of rain in the first 10 days of the monsoon causing floods.

In July and August, rainfall was deficient by 70 and 60 per cent respectively.

Cloud seeding was taken up in Kodagu six years ago, but it was not conducive with the weather here.

According to figures available with Express, the average expected rainfall in January was 5 mm, but the district received 0.3 mm; February – 3.2 mm (5.6 mm expected); March – 37.4 mm (14.7 mm); April – 133.4 mm (73.5 mm); May – 191.4 mm (146 mm); June – 804 mm (486 mm); July – 366 mm (938 mm) and till August 20 – 164 mm (250 mm).

This erratic rainfall seriously impacted the water requirements of paddy, coffee and pepper crops.

The total average rainfall from January to August should have been 2,100 mm, but Kodagu has recorded 1,710 mm. The district is facing a deficit of 300 mm rainfall.

A minimum of 600 mm rain is required on a weekly basis to fill the reservoirs in Kodagu.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by B C Dinesh / August 24th, 2015