Though agriculture was the main occupation in Kodagu district, the drastic decline in number of farmers have created a fearful situation.

According to 2011 census data there are 19,447 farmers (barring coffee estate owners). This account to 3.50 per cent of the total population in the district.

There were 38,838 farmers during 2001 census.

Paddy was the main crop in Kodagu district other than coffee. Maize, yard long beans, ground nuts, green chilly, and ginger are also grown in the district.

The district had 31.97 per cent of farmers in 1961. This slowly reduced to 23.55 pc in 1971, 23.31 pc in 1981, 19.91 pc in 1991, 7.08 pc in 2001 and 3.50 pc in 2011.

There has been drastic decline in number of farm labourers in the district. According to the latest census data, there are 12,546 farm labourers registering 2.26 per cent of the total population.

About 15.07 per cent of the total population were labourers in 1991. A total of 1,245 persons are engaged in self employment in the district. This account to 0.22 per cent of the total population.

Coffee growers have not been marked separately during the census. As a result, there is no correct figures on coffee growers. Coffee has been considered as plantation and is being included in ‘other’ category.

Other than agriculture, and coffee, there are no other sectors which generate employment in the district.

With the decline in rainfall, agriculture activities have been affected in the district. Many have deserted their farm land and have migrated to other districts in search of employment.

“There was no shortage of rainfall in Kodagu district. Inspite of having conducive atmosphere for growing crops, many have not been given priority to grow food crops.

The decline in number of farmers is a dangerous trend,” said in charge technical officer of agriculture department Ramesh.

He said “youth migrate to other districts in search of employment.

None are showing their interest in agriculture. Only aged persons are engaged in farming.

Having unable to take up farming activities, several paddy fields have remained unused in the district.”

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / by Srikanth Kallammannavar, Madikeri / DHNS – May 29th, 2013