GINGER BECAME BITTER THIS YEAR

Madikeri July 16 The majority of Kodagu farmers deviated to ginger cultivation from paddy since ten years. In the starting years the earning was good. The farmers did not have any trouble in engaging the labourers. Instead they were giving contract to the Keralites and were enjoying the profit after some investments on the cultivation. Since three years the ginger cultivation is also becoming bitter to farmers. This year the condition has become worst.

There was cry from the environmentalists against ginger cultivation. Before starting the cultivation the area should be cleared from trees. The environmentalists were opposing this ,fearing the harm to monsoon and may bring down the rainfall. Further, once the ginger is cultivated , the soil will loose it’s fertility according to geologists. No other crops could be grown in those areas due to lack of fertility was the analysis.

However, no action, no control from any of the concerned departments and cultivation is going on.

This year the ginger has also become headache to farmers. The price per bag of 60 K.Gs has come down to Rs.350-Rs.400 from the previous existed price of Rs. 800 –Rs.1000.Last year also the growers have suffered a lot. The experience made them to turn back to paddy and 50% of the ginger cultivators compared to last year have again chosen paddy cultivation this year. The last year’s figure show the total area of ginger cultivation in Kodagu was 5247 hectares and this year it has reduced to 3224 hectares. Thlukwise figure shows: In Madikeri thaluk last year it was 1500 hectares which is reduced to 1074 hectares this year. In Somwarpet thaluk last year it was 1647 hectares and this year it has reduced to 1200 hectares. At present The Horticultural department is providing pesticides under 50% subsidy with the cooperation from the National Horticultural mission. To control diseases to plants. This year Mahakali and jaggery diseases have badly affected the ginger plants

Picture: Ginger Plants

Picture: Ginger

TOTALRAIFALL LOSS RS 21 CRORES IN KODAGU

Madikeri July 16, The total loss due to heavy rainfall and wind has reached the figure of 21.91 crores till the day this year in Kodagu according to official sources.7 deaths were reported, In the horticultural sector 64 hectare of cultivation damaged and Rs. 40 lakh loss occurred.. In agricultural sector the loss estimated is Rs. 7 lakh. The damage to PWD controlled buildings is Rs.5 crores, damage to public properties under Z.P is Rs. 27 crores, the loss to KPTCL is Rs. 13 lakh, damage due to house collapses is estimated to Rs. 19 lakhs, Rs. 3.50 lakhs is already distributed to the loss of life incidents in the district so for.