Paddy cultivation shrinks in Kodagu amid rising challenges

Madikeri: Kodagu district, once known for flourishing agriculture, is now witnessing a reversal, with the area under cultivation—particularly paddy—declining rapidly. Earlier, paddy was cultivated on about 40,000 hectares, but this area has reduced significantly as farmers show declining interest in paddy cultivation owing to multiple factors.Stakeholders said that large tracts of agricultural land are being converted for non-agricultural purposes due to urbanisation. Additionally, climate change and human-animal conflict have further contributed to the decline in agriculture.While the sector as a whole has been affected, paddy cultivation has taken the hardest hit, with farmers increasingly shifting to crops such as coffee, arecanut, banana, and ginger in former paddy fields.According to the agriculture department, paddy cultivation decreased by 4,000 hectares in 2025–26. Last year, the target for paddy cultivation in the district was 23,000 hectares. However, only 19,000 hectares were actually cultivated.Some traditional varieties of paddy continue to be grown due to the sustained efforts of a few farmers, along with associations and organisations working to revive rice cultivation in recent years.

Despite challenges, some small farmers continue paddy cultivation out of a commitment to traditional agricultural practices.This year, the agriculture department has set a target of 19,000 hectares for paddy cultivation. Officials said steps are being taken to support farmers by supplying seeds. Paddy seeds have been stocked at 16 farmer contact centres across the district, and distribution has begun, said Chandrashekhar, joint director of agriculture.The district requires 1,352 quintals of seeds, and all centres currently have adequate stock. However, farmers have reported delays in sowing due to inadequate rainfall this season, he added.