Yadgir, 01 Oct (H.S.):Cotton farmers in Karnataka’s Yadgir district face sharp production losses after a prolonged dry spell damaged crops across more than 70% of the area cultivated this kharif season.

Agriculture Department figures show cotton was sown on 2.20 lakh hectares against a target of 2.02 lakh hectares. Early showers encouraged farmers to expand cultivation across rainfed and irrigated fields, but inadequate rainfall during subsequent growth stages affected 1.55 lakh hectares.

Between June and September, the district received 339 mm of rain against the normal 515 mm, recording a deficit of 34%. Moisture stress and unfavourable weather also contributed to disease and pest attacks, farmers said.

Farmer leader Channappa Anegundi said timely rainfall during the critical growth period would have improved yields and helped crops withstand pest infestations and brown disease.

Farmers cultivating rainfed land now expect yields of two to three quintals per acre. Those with irrigation facilities anticipate five to seven quintals, with several reporting poor boll development and deterioration in crop quality despite watering their fields.

Vijay Gulgi, a grower, said he had irrigated his crop on time but expected only five to six quintals per acre because changing weather conditions had affected boll formation.

The reduced harvest threatens to leave many farmers struggling to recover cultivation expenses. Growers have spent around ₹30,000 per acre on seeds, weeding, chemical sprays and crop maintenance.

Cotton fetches between ₹9,500 and ₹9,700 per quintal in the open market, depending on quality. At projected rainfed yields, gross returns could fall below cultivation costs, leaving farmers with little financial cushion.

Farmer leader Chamarasa Malipatil said growers faced heavy losses and many could struggle to recover even half their expenditure.

The damage has overshadowed the promising start to the season, turning expanded cotton acreage into a financial setback for farming households across the district.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman