Pre-monsoon showers spur seed rush in Belagavi

Belagavi: Pre-monsoon rains across the district have triggered a sharp surge in demand for sowing seeds, with farmers rushing to procure supplies ahead of the Kharif season. The agriculture department is distributing subsidised seeds through 176 centres, including 35 Raitha Samparka Kendras. The district currently has a stock of 70,870 quintals of seeds, including 48,000 quintals of soybean, which is witnessing high demand due to its expanding cultivation. Distribution is underway in taluks such as Belagavi, Kittur, Yaragatti, Bailhongal, Ramdurg and Savadatti.

The area under soybean cultivation has been steadily increasing over the past few years, prompting the department to store larger quantities of soybean seeds. The district has set a target of sowing crops in 7.3 lakh hectares during the monsoon season. Of this, 4 lakh hectares are rain-fed and 3.3 lakh hectares are irrigated. Food grains are planned in 2.2 lakh hectares, pulses in 78,000 hectares, oilseeds in 1.1 lakh hectares, and commercial crops in 3.2 lakh hectares.

Demand for soybean seeds is higher this year compared to last year. Continuous rains damaged maize crops last season, and poor market prices have further pushed farmers to shift from maize to soybean cultivation. Farmers in Bailhongal, Yaragatti, Savadatti and other parts of the district have already begun sowing soybean.

Given the growing trend, the department has ensured adequate storage of soybean seeds. Officials said stocks also include 2,232 quintals of green gram, 2,735 quintals of black gram, 12,000 quintals of groundnut and 9,000 quintals of maize.

Joint director of agriculture HD Kolekar said farmers must take precautions while sowing soybean, a key oilseed crop. He advised monitoring weather conditions, humidity and farm equipment readiness. Adequate soil moisture and cool weather are essential, and sowing should begin only after sufficient rainfall. Farmers are advised to use slightly more than the usual 25 kg of seeds per acre. Seed treatment before sowing is mandatory to prevent early diseases and ensure healthy growth.

Soybean sowing is permitted from June to July 15, but should be taken up only when rainfall reaches 50 to 75 mm, soil is adequately moist, and the weather remains cool. If such conditions are not met, farmers should avoid hurried sowing. For further guidance, they are advised to contact the nearest Raitha Sampark Kendras.