Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner, Fauzia Tarannum, has directed the Agriculture Department officials to ensure all necessary preparations for the distribution of high-quality seeds and fertilizers to farmers during this year's Kharif season.
With the meteorological department predicting the onset of monsoon rains in the district within the next two to three days, sowing operations are expected to commence in the first week of July. To review the availability of seeds and fertilizers, as well as to address other important concerns, Tarannum presided over a meeting with officials from the Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board and the District Disaster Management Authority on Thursday. During the meeting, she emphasized the need to deploy sufficient staff at Raitha Samparka Kendras (RSK) to ensure a smooth and orderly distribution process. Furthermore, she instructed the Agriculture Department to guarantee the supply of certified, high-quality seeds and maintain adequate stock levels to meet the demand.
According to the Joint Director of Agriculture, Samad Patel, the district experienced only 24mm of rainfall between June 1 and 22, significantly below the normal average of 78mm. As a result of the delayed monsoon rains, sowing has been carried out in only 25,928 hectares out of the targeted 8.87 lakh hectares in the district. However, the Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry, S.D. Avati, assured that there is sufficient fodder stock available for the next 24 weeks.
In light of the prevailing conditions, ensuring an adequate supply of drinking water has become a top priority. Tarannum directed the officials from the Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board to ensure a regular supply of drinking water to the residents, with a frequency of every second day. Additionally, she urged them to identify suitable locations for new borewells to be drilled immediately in both rural and urban areas.
While Aland taluk currently reports no drinking water shortage, the possibility of scarcity in some villages may arise if the monsoon is further delayed. To address this concern, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer, Bhanwar Singh Meena, suggested that officials identify government-owned land for drilling borewells.
Furthermore, he emphasized the need for flushing existing borewells and drilling new ones in areas where they are needed, assuring officials that funds for these endeavors will not be lacking.
