Drought scorches Karnataka’s spice belt; chilli, turmeric worst hit
Farmers in Karnataka's spice belt are experiencing significant crop losses, particularly for chilli and turmeric, due to severe drought conditions. A joint survey by state horticulture and revenue departments identified Bagalkot and Chamarajanagar as the worst-hit districts, with thousands of hectares of crops destroyed and further losses anticipated. The drought has also contributed to chilli prices remaining at an all-time high.
Why it matters
The widespread crop losses due to drought will severely impact farmers' livelihoods and could lead to increased prices for essential spices, affecting consumers and the agricultural economy of the region.
Farmers growing spice crops such as turmeric, chilli (red and green, including the Byadagi variety), garlic and ginger have suffered major crop losses due to drought.
According to a drought survey conducted jointly last month by the Karnataka State Department of Horticulture (KSDH), the Revenue Department and the Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), farmers growing chilli and turmeric have suffered significant crop losses, with Bagalkot and Chamarajanagar topping the list, respectively.
Similarly, crop losses have been recorded among garlic growers in Chamarajanagar and ginger growers in various taluks of Haveri district.
A senior official from the Horticulture Department said, “This survey was conducted in 124 taluks initially identified by the State government for drought assessment. Now, another 53 taluks have been added to the drought-hit list. Crop losses with regard to spices, including chilli, turmeric, garlic and ginger, are likely to increase.”
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