Poor rainfall hits crops in Mysore district

Rainfall in Mysore district during the current monsoon is deficient by around one-third.

Against the average of 314.7 mm, rainfall has only been 210.6 mm, short by 104.1 mm, as on July 4, according to Joint Director of Agriculture Krishnaiah.

On account of the defici-ent rainfall, crops have suffered considerably during the current 2012-13 monsoon cropping season with crops being damaged over 141,237 hectares. Sowing has taken place in 312,650 hectares in the irrigated area of the district.

If rainfall occurs during July, crops like ragi, maize and pulses, including grou-ndnut and sunflower, can be sown, he said. As regards to the availability of fertiliser, Krishnaiah said the department had stocks of 22,449 tonnes.

Societies and private dealers marketing fertiliser should sell it at the notified prices, failing which stern action will be taken against them, he warned.

A meeting which reviewed the drought situation in the district yesterday was informed that drinking water schemes were set to be completed by May-end. However, works in 56 villages in Nanjangud taluk have not been completed although it is July already.

District In-charge Minister S A Ramadas, who presided over the meeting, directed the officials concerned to complete the works without any further delays and ensure that there was no drinking water problem in the district.

Around 159,380 children have been enrolled under eight children’s welfare programmes in the district. During the first quarter of 2012-13, Rs 4.76 lakh was released for providing milk and eggs to the undernourished enrolled children. While eggs are distributed on four days, 200 ml milk is made available twice in a week, the meeting was informed.