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Pic: Farmers from Naganur village in Bailhongal taluk display the damaged soybean crop from their fieldsBelagavi: Continuous Sept rainfall has worsened farmers’ woes in Belagavi district, with floods damaging 61,000 hectares of crops and worm infestations affecting 35,000 hectares of soybean. The district administration began surveys to assess losses and process compensation. Farmers are fearing more devastation if rains persist.This time, 7.3 lakh hectares of land was sown in the monsoon season, out of which 4 lakh hectares are under irrigation and more than 3.2 lakh hectares are under rainfed cropping. This year, food grains are grown in an area of 2.2 lakh hectares, pulses in 68,000 hectares, oilseeds in 1.2 lakh hectares, and commercial crops in 3.1 lakh hectares. The district received more rain than usual. Horticultural crops were destroyed in an area of 1,810 hectares in the district.Deputy commissioner Mohammad Roshan said that a total of 35,000 hectares of soybean crop was damaged in the district due to the pest Helicoverpa armigera, also called African earworm or stem borer. The highest damage occurred in Murgod, Nesaragi, Bailhongal, and Kittur hoblis. A joint survey was already completed to provide compensation to farmers. The govt has approved crop damage compensation, and the farmers concerned will receive compensation in a few days, he added.Prakash Naik, a farmer leader, said that there are complaints that although relief has been released in many districts, it is not adequate. There is no hope that the govt treasury will come to the aid of farmers.Sidagouda Modagi, president of Bharatiya Krishik Samaj, said that the continuous rainfall in Sept is likely to further affect the farming community. The govt is in a state of inaction, and farmers are certain to face hardship again, he predicted.Mahantesh Murgod, deputy director of the horticulture department, said horticulture crops have been destroyed in an area of 1,810 hectares in Belagavi district. Onions, garlic, and tomatoes are the main crops that have been damaged. A proposal has been submitted to the govt seeking compensation.
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