Karnataka’s northern districts, which are more often in the news for water shortage and drought, are now seeing extensive crop losses and disruption of crop patterns due to changes in the rainfall pattern, including heavy pre-monsoon rainfall, and extended rainfall period. Riparian districts have had the additional burden of water released from dams in the catchment area.
11 lakh hectares
Rainfall has been in excess of 21% to 44% across 90 blocks in 12 districts, according to Revenue Department officials. It has led to a crop loss on around 11 lakh hectares across Kalyana Karnataka and Bombay Karnataka regions.