News: Karnataka's severe drought has damaged 84,656 hectares of coconut plantations across the State, with officials warning that the impact on the crop could persist for up to three years.
ABOUT
- Coconut recorded the highest crop loss among all surveyed horticultural crops, followed by onion and other vegetables.
- Surveys were conducted jointly by departments including horticulture, revenue, and Karnataka State Natural Disaster Management Authority.
- Affected 84,656 hectares out of 5.6 lakh hectares cultivated in 124 severely drought-affected taluks.
- Estimated crop loss value stands at 59,259 lakh rupees.
Key Targets
- Study crop loss in remaining taluks across districts like Tumakuru, Chitradurga, and Hassan within 15 days.
- Assess total crop value and seek financial assistance for farmers after survey completion.
- Mitigate worsening pest attacks like black-headed caterpillars, Rugose Spiralling Whitefly, and Kappu Masi disease through expert recommendations.
- Address multi-year dry cycles spanning up to 36 months that disrupt flowering, fruiting, and root nutrient absorption.
SIGNIFICANCE
- India's second-largest coconut cultivation area (5.6 lakh hectares, next only to Kerala's 7 lakh hectares) faces severe economic distress in dry zones reliant on borewells.
- Severe impact on farmers, farm labourers seeking jobs, price fluctuations, and overall state finances due to dried-up water sources.