KADAPA: Farmers who have suffered losses due to prolonged dry spell and scanty rainfall in Kharif, are no better off in Rabi as they feel that the climate will play a spoil sport in this season too. After Kharif put a hole in their pockets, farmers are reluctant to take up farming activities as they are wary of not only harsh climate but also of the rising input costs. Some farmers say that the input costs have increased manifold as the cost of seeds, fertilisers, labour charges have gone up while the output has plummeted. “It is better to stop cultivating than suffer losses due to lacklustre returns,” they rue.The distress caused to farmers is clearly evident as they have opted to cultivate crops only in 53 per cent of the total cultivation area in the district in this Rabi. In Rabi season, 2,02,626 hectares of area is cultivated every year. But, this year, only 1,06,245 hectares is being taken up for cultivation. Even the prospects of rain are bleak further, quelling the dying spirits of farmers. According to Met officials, the district received only 113.8 mm rainfall as against normal rainfall of 132 mm in October.
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