Deficit rainfall in Shivamogga affects sowing and inflow to reservoirs, DC says

Deputy Commissioner Shivamogga Prabhulinga Kavalikatti

The Shivamogga area has seen a 55% rainfall deficit since June 1, with only 13% of the area covered in sowing operations so far, Deputy Commissioner Prabhulinga Kavalikatti said.

At a press conference on Friday, Mr. Kavalikatti said farmers had delayed sowing due to scanty rainfall. However, he said there was time till the end of August to grow rice in the district. “We are hopeful that the sowing coverage will improve in the coming days,” he said.

The deputy commissioner said the rainfall deficit had resulted in insufficient inflow into the dams and farmers could not expect water from the dams to be released for irrigation. “The available supply is sufficient to meet the drinking water requirement. Currently, there is no drinking water supply problem in the district, except for three villages in Tirthahalli taluk where tankers have been deployed,” he said.

Rain gauges

Responding to a query about rain gauges in the district, the Deputy Commissioner said that out of 280 rain gauges installed, as many as 208 are non-functional. After the matter was reported to the disaster management cell, the faulty meters were taken for replacement. “I have inquired with the concerned police officers. The replacement of the faulty machines will be completed within a week. The cell has engaged a private agency to maintain the meters for the next three years,” he said.

Last year, areca growers complained to the administration that they did not get the crop insurance they were entitled to due to faulty rain gauge readings. The Deputy Commissioner said that the faulty meters are now being replaced.

Published – 03 Jul 2026 19:42 IST