Avarekai cultivation in Kolar district drops by 70 per cent
Deficient rainfall and declining groundwater levels have reduced the area under cultivation to 300 hectares, according to The Hindu.
The area under Avarekai cultivation in Kolar district has declined by 70 per cent this year due to deficient southwest monsoon rainfall, according to The Hindu. The Department of Agriculture reported that cultivation has dropped from nearly 1,000 hectares in areas including Bangarpet, Srinivaspura, and Malur to approximately 300 hectares.
Joint Director of the Department of Agriculture, Kolar district, Manjula M.N. said that farmers usually begin sowing in August when the state receives good rains. She stated that most farmers have not taken up cultivation this year due to inadequate rainfall and that water levels in borewells have declined.
Kolar farmer Abhilash Reddy said that more than 50 per cent of farmers in Kolar and surrounding taluks have either delayed sowing or not taken up cultivation. He noted that while Avarekai is drought-resistant, two to three rain spells after sowing are essential for good growth.
The reduced cultivation in Kolar could affect supplies to Bengaluru markets and potentially increase prices. Mr. Reddy said that current supplies in Bengaluru are largely sourced from Ramanagara and predicted prices could rise to ₹100 per kg.
As of November 1, fresh Avarekai was sold in Bengaluru markets at retail prices of ₹80 to ₹88 per kg. Idakida Bele was priced between ₹300 and ₹350 per kg across different sellers and quick-commerce platforms.