India: Scanty Rainfall Hits Tobacco Production

Source from:  New Indian Express (in) 06/27/2012

Scanty rainfall has affected the production of high quality Virginia tobacco and commercial cotton crop in the state. Nearly 40 per cent of the state's Virginia tobacco caters to domestic consumption and beedi units, while the rest is exported to leading cigarette companies across the globe. The delay in monsoon has already affected the production of pulses and oil seeds. The tobacco-growing regions of Mysore, Arkalgud in Hassan and Shimoga are affected as there was no rain after the first week of May. Tobacco crop spread across one lakh hectares has been reduced to 65,000 hectares. However, the farmers who opted for early sowing may get 70 per cent yield if there is enough rain in the next couple of days. Heggadevana Kote, Hunsur and Periyapatna taluks, which are famous for tobacco and cotton, have also recorded poor rainfall. The H D Kote Panchayat unanimously passed a resolution to urge the government to declare the taluk drought-hit. The taluk received 63 mm of rain as against 192 mm, that resulted in 50 per cent loss of tobacco, turmeric and cotton. Prakash, a tobacco exporter, said that Mysore, which grows 125 million kilogram of tobacco over 1.10 lakh hectares has recorded shortfall in sowing. The fall in production is likely to pushup prices and affect regular exports. Joint Director of Agriculture Department Krishnaiah confirmed that yield of commercial crops like tobacco and cotton will be hit. The situation will be grim if the region does not receive rains in a week. Regional Director of Tobacco Board K N Vishakantaiah said that tobacco, which was previously sown in over 65,000 hectares will not be affected. After a review meeting, he said that the region badly needs rains to save the standing crop and　to begin the second phase of plantation. Enditem