Diseases, inadequate rains and fall in prices add to farmers’ woes Once a hub of horticulture, Bagalkot district has suffered a set back due to drought this year.

Farmers are facing losses to the tune of crores of rupees, due to the conditions hostile to the cultivation of horticultural produce. The Horticulture department presents a gloomy picture, putting the estimated loss at Rs 33 crore. There is a drastic reduction in the quality and quantity of pomegranate, turmeric, chikoo, guava, grapes and banana, the prime crops cultivated in the district.

The Karnataka Pollution Control Board seems to be keeping mum over the unchecked and illegal use of aerolite by granite cutting and polishing units in and around Ilkal district, despite its well-known detrimental effects on the environment and human health.