Agriculture

Farmers in parts of Marathwada are facing growing crop and water concerns because of a prolonged dry spell during August. Several districts have recorded significant rainfall deficits, affecting standing Kharif crops. Beed, Jalna and Parbhani are among the areas experiencing particularly severe rainfall shortages. Reports indicate that several borewells have also begun running dry again, increasing concerns about both irrigation and drinking water. Farmers and local organisations have sought assessment of crop damage and appropriate compensation. The situation is being closely watched as the region enters an important stage of the Kharif crop season.

Hundreds of farmers in Mysuru have protested against the release of water from the Kabini reservoir to Tamil Nadu. Farmers’ organisations staged demonstrations, raising concerns over the availability of water for irrigation in Karnataka. The protesters argued that Karnataka farmers need adequate water for their crops, particularly amid concerns over rainfall and water availability. Demonstrations were held at multiple locations in Mysuru. The issue has once again highlighted the long-running Cauvery water-sharing dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Farmers are demanding that the government give priority to the irrigation requirements of agricultural communities in the state.

Sugarcane cultivation has reportedly declined by around 96% in Chittoor and Tirupati districts, marking a major change in the agricultural landscape of the region. The sharp fall has raised concerns among farmers and those dependent on the sugar industry. The decline is linked to challenges facing sugarcane cultivation and the deteriorating financial position of the sugar industry in the region. Farmers have increasingly moved away from the crop as economic returns and support systems have weakened. The development could affect agricultural livelihoods as well as local sugar-related businesses. The future of sugarcane cultivation in these districts is now attracting attention from farmers and policymakers.

Kharif crop sowing in India has reached around 105.67 million hectares as of August 21, according to the latest agricultural data. The area remains about 1.5% lower than the corresponding period last year. Despite rainfall challenges earlier in the season, farmers have continued sowing across several parts of the country. The improvement in rainfall during July helped narrow the gap between this year’s sowing and last year’s levels. However, uneven rainfall remains a concern for several crops and regions. Agriculture authorities are continuing to monitor sowing progress and weather conditions through the remaining Kharif season.

India is facing one of its weakest monsoon seasons in recent years, with rainfall around 13% below normal as of August 24. The strengthening El Niño conditions are increasing concerns about water availability and agricultural production. The rainfall deficit could particularly affect important Kharif crops such as cotton, soybean, maize and pulses. Reduced soil moisture may also create difficulties for farmers preparing for the upcoming winter crop season. Agriculture experts are closely monitoring rainfall during the remaining monsoon period. A continued deficit could affect farm incomes and potentially put pressure on food prices in the coming months.