K'taka may miss rabi target

Karnataka is likely to miss its Rabi crop output target due to the absence of adequate moisture for taking up fresh sowing.

According to the state agriculture department statistics, as on November 12, the Rabi crops sown in the state is down by 8.12 per cent at 2.5 million hectares as against the normal area coverage of 2.8 million hectares.

When compared to last year's coverage, it is down by 12.15 per cent. Last year actual area coverage was 2.9 million hectares.

As for the sowing status in the districts, it is above normal in seven districts, normal in 14 districts, below normal in three districts and negligible in three districts.

Karnataka's main rabi crops are bengal gram, jowar, wheat and safflower. Sowing of potato, onion, tomato and chilli have started in major growing regions and is above the last year's level.