Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Dec 10: After the monsoon, planting of seedlings for the 'Suggi' season's second paddy crop of the year, has begun after getting somewhat delayed due to untimely rains. In the twin-districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, approximately 15 percent of the targeted cultivation has been completed.

In Udupi, out of the projected 5,300 hectares of land, planting has been undertaken in 615 hectares. Planting has been completed in 600 hectares of fields in Karkala and 15 hectares in Kundapur. In Udupi taluk, planting has not yet begun. Out of the total 3,259 hectares targeted in Dakshina Kannada, only 363 hectares have been covered. 112 hectares in Mangaluru taluk, 25 in Bantwal, 150 in Beltangady, 41 in Puttur and 35 hectares in Sullia have come under Suggi planting so far.

Seeding for other crops along with paddy crop Udupi district has also begun. Black gram has been planted in 250 hectares of land in Udupi as against targeted 4,350 acres has been completed. Likewise, horse gram in 30 hectares, lentils in 75, long beans in 2,350 and groundnut in 1,800 hectares are proposed. Because of delayed harvesting of paddy and weather changes, the seeding work for the pulses has also been delayed. Officials say that the process might gain speed in mid December.

For the Suggi (Rabi) season, in the twin-districts, mostly Jaya and Jyoti species of paddy seeds are used. As many as 120 quintals of the seed have been supplied to farmers in Dakshina Kannada district. There is demand for 200 quintals of seed additionally, and the same is being arranged. Over 95 percent paddy crop harvesting has been completed and in about two weeks, all the stand crops will be harvested.

Dr Seetha, joint director of agriculture, Dakshina Kannada, said that the coast having been dependent on rains, those areas supported by vented dams and ponds for irrigation are convenient to be cultivated.