Drought affects 84,656 hectares of Karnataka coconut plantations

Drought has damaged 84,656 hectares of coconut plantations in Karnataka, and officials have warned that the effects on production could continue for up to three years. The assessment was conducted jointly by the Horticulture Department, revenue authorities, the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Management Authority and other departments across 124 taluks classified as severely drought-affected. Officials estimated the value of the affected coconut crop at ₹59,259 lakh.

The survey covered part of Karnataka’s approximately 5.6 lakh hectares under coconut cultivation. More than 50 additional taluks have since been added to the drought list, and officials said surveys would be conducted in remaining areas, including districts such as Tumakuru and Chitradurga. Hassan was reported to be the worst-affected district.

Officials recorded crop loss across 84,541 hectares out of 97,999 surveyed there, along with 115 hectares in Haveri. They said the estimated loss could rise after the remaining survey work is completed, after which the value of the crop and assistance sought for farmers would be assessed. Shakil Ahmed, Joint Director of the Horticulture Department, said extreme heat and water scarcity had affected flowering and fruiting.

He said drought could damage roots and disrupt the development cycle of coconut trees, whose flowering and fruiting processes can extend over 36 months. The department expects consequences for farmers, agricultural labourers, prices and the State’s finances. Mr.

Ahmed said many water sources and borewells had dried up despite farmers’ reliance on drip irrigation. Former agricultural university Vice-Chancellor K. Narayan Gowda said drought was worsening pest and disease pressures, including black-headed caterpillar, Rugose Spiralling Whitefly and Kappu Masi disease.

A Hassan farmer, Mari Gowda, said yields had fallen sharply because of heat and the withering of flowers.