Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Aug 31: The Balkunje village of Mulki taluk on the outskirts of the city is renowned for sugarcane crop.

In the coastal districts of the state there is a tradition of offering sugarcane to Lord Ganesha. In addition, the farmers of the village here make the idol of Ganesh from sugarcane itself.

Around 30 acres of land in Balkunje has been dedicated for sugarcane production for the last 30 years. The farmers sow 10, 000 sugarcane seedlings per acre in the month of October the previous year itself.

Now, it is harvest time and as there is no issue of corona this time, farmers are sporting a big smile on their face. They have received a good price also this time for their efforts.

Generally paddy and arecanut are grown in the coastal districts of Karnataka. However, the mud in Balkunje is suited for sugarcane crop. Compared to paddy, sugarcane is more profitable. Many cultivate sugarcane for the same reason. They even take loans in order to grow this crop in Balkunje. This year, the farmers got Rs 24 to 25 per piece of sugarcane. So they are delighted.

The sugarcane crop is also used for the harvest festival celebrated by the Catholics of the coastal districts on September 8.