The pigeon pea (tuvar) crop in Karnataka, which is a major producer of this pulse in India, has been severely impacted due to a combination of inadequate rainfall and disease outbreaks.

Kalaburgi (Gulbarga), one of the most important districts for tuvar production, has seen a significant drop in rainfall during November 2024, receiving only 5.6 mm compared to the normal 19.5 mm, a reduction of 71%.

This critical phase of less rainfall has affected the flowering and grain-setting stages of the crop, leading to poor development due to insufficient moisture in the soil.

Although the area sown with tuvar increased this year—rising from 13.64 lakh hectares to 15.94 lakh hectares in Karnataka, and from 5.87 lakh hectares to 6.27 lakh hectares in Gulbarga—the crops initially showed promise.

However, the moisture deficit and subsequent disease and insect attacks have hurt yields. Rot disease, in particular, is spreading in some areas, causing plants to lean over and potentially reducing grain production.

The damage survey is still underway, and experts estimate that around 2 lakh hectares of land could be affected. Interestingly, areas with black soil and those closer to Telangana have fared better, with their crops remaining in better condition compared to others in the region.

Farmers in Kalaburgi and surrounding districts are anxious, as the situation has significantly compromised their expected yields, potentially leading to a decline in the overall production of tuvar.