Avarekai cultivation in Kolar district drops by 70% due to drought

Avarekai cultivation in Karnataka's Kolar district has plummeted by 70% this season, falling from 1,000 hectares to just 300 hectares. The Department of Agriculture attributes this sharp decline to deficient rainfall, depleting groundwater levels, and persistent dry weather which discouraged farmers from sowing.

Agricultural experts warn that the reduced harvest may significantly impact supply to Bengaluru markets. With peak consumption season approaching for festivals like Sankranti, retail prices for the popular field beans could climb to ₹100 per kg. Currently, fresh Avarekai is retailing between ₹80 and ₹88 per kg in Bengaluru.

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