Karnataka monsoon deficit: Farmers in Mandya urged to shift to short-duration, dryland crops
Mandya Deputy Commissioner Dr. Kumar directed officials to encourage farmers to cultivate semi-dryland crops such as ragi, jowar, sesame, cowpea, black gram and horse gram, which require less water and can be harvested in a shorter period.
Mandya Deputy Commissioner Dr. Kumar has advised farmers in the drought-prone region to abandon long-duration crops and switch to short-duration, low-water consumption crops due to the scarcity of water caused by the weak southwest monsoon. At a meeting on Friday, August 21, 2026, Dr. Kumar stressed the need to conserve limited water resources, directing officials to promote cultivation of semi-dryland crops like ragi, jowar, sesame, cowpea, black gram and horse gram.
These crops require less water and can be harvested quickly, making them more suitable for the current rainfall conditions. The Cauvery Irrigation Advisory Committee has allocated water for drinking purposes for humans and animals, as well as for the cultivation of short-duration crops, while halting water supply for long-duration crops.
Dr. Kumar emphasized the importance of storing water in village tanks and reservoirs to prevent further depletion of groundwater levels. Agriculture Department officials were tasked with organizing awareness programs at various levels and guiding farmers in selecting appropriate crops based on the available rainfall.
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