Karnataka’s Mandya district is facing severe rainfall shortages, affecting ragi cultivation and farmers’ livelihoods. As of September 16, 2026, the district had received 45% less rainfall than normal, while ragi was sown on only 1,213 hectares against a target of 63,385 hectares. Many farmers have shifted to alternative crops such as cowpea, but water scarcity continues to threaten yields. The situation highlights the growing impact of irregular monsoons on rain-fed agriculture and the need for drought-resilient crop varieties, water conservation, and effective climate adaptation strategies to support farmers.
