Farmers in Dharwad and Bidar are grappling with falling crop prices and inadequate rainfall, leading to crop losses and renewed demands for government relief
Farmers in Karnataka are facing a dual challenge as chilli prices have fallen sharply in Dharwad district while prolonged dry conditions threaten soybean cultivation in Bidar district. The developments have intensified calls for drought relief and measures to support farmers affected by both market volatility and rainfall deficiency.
Bengaluru: Farmers in Karnataka are facing mounting challenges as a sharp fall in chilli prices and an ongoing rainfall deficit have affected agricultural activity in different parts of the state.
In Dharwad district, a farmer destroyed his standing chilli crop after market prices dropped below production costs. Meanwhile, soybean growers in Bidar district have reported crop stress due to insufficient rainfall and have urged the government to declare the district drought-hit.
Dharwad Farmer Destroys Chilli Crop After Price Crash
A farmer from Govankoppa village in Dharwad district ploughed nearly three acres of chilli crop after wholesale prices declined significantly.
According to the farmer, chillies were fetching only ₹6 per kg, making it economically unviable to harvest and transport the produce to the market.
Farmers said they require a price of at least ₹300 for every 10 kg of chillies to recover cultivation, harvesting and transportation costs.
"The market price is not sufficient to cover even the harvesting and transportation expenses," farmers said.
The sharp decline in prices has resulted in financial losses for growers who had invested heavily in seeds, fertilisers, labour and irrigation.
Soybean Crop Faces Rainfall Stress in Bidar
In Bidar district, farmers have expressed concern over the lack of consistent rainfall during the ongoing Kharif season.
Soybean has been cultivated across nearly three lakh hectares in the district. However, prolonged dry conditions have affected crop growth, with several fields showing signs of moisture stress.
Farmers have appealed to the Karnataka government to declare Bidar a drought-hit district and provide compensation and relief measures for the losses.
Kharif Season Brings Multiple Challenges
The current period marks the peak of the Kharif cropping season, when crops such as soybean, maize and pulses are in their early stages of growth and depend on regular monsoon rainfall.
A prolonged rainfall deficit during this phase can significantly affect crop development, particularly in areas with limited irrigation facilities.
At the same time, short-duration crops such as chilli often reach wholesale markets simultaneously, increasing supply and putting downward pressure on prices.
Market Prices and Weather Add to Farmers' Burden
Agricultural experts note that many farmers have already invested in seeds, fertilisers, labour and machinery at the beginning of the season.
When crop prices fall below production costs or rainfall remains inadequate, growers face difficulty recovering their investment and repaying seasonal loans.
The combination of adverse weather conditions and weak market prices has placed additional financial pressure on farming communities across several parts of Karnataka.
The simultaneous impact of low market prices and inadequate rainfall has increased concerns over farm incomes during the ongoing Kharif season.
Farmers Seek Government Intervention in Karnataka
Farmers' groups have urged the state government to introduce measures to stabilise crop prices, provide compensation for weather-related losses and strengthen drought relief efforts in affected districts.
They have also called for timely support to help cultivators manage the ongoing Kharif season as weather conditions and market fluctuations continue to affect agricultural production.
