A sharp deficit in pre-monsoon rainfall across southern Karnataka has raised concerns ahead of the onset of the southwest monsoon, with key districts in the Mysuru region, particularly Kodagu and Mysuru, recording significant shortfalls that could affect preparation for kharif sowing.

Data released by the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) as of May 27 shows that South Interior Karnataka received 106 mm of rainfall against the normal 125 mm during the pre-monsoon period from March 1 to May 27, registering a deficit of 16 per cent.

Among the districts in the Mysuru region, the data said, Kodagu recorded the steepest decline, receiving only 106 mm rainfall against the normal 220 mm - a deficit of 52 per cent. Mysuru followed with 89 mm against the normal 184 mm, recording a 51 per cent shortage. Mandya received 96 mm against the normal 146 mm, registering a shortfall of 34 per cent, while Chamarajanagar received 140 mm against the expected 181 mm, reflecting a 22 per cent deficit.

The shortfall was more noticeable in April. Mysuru district received only 10 mm rainfall against the normal 66 mm, recording an 85 per cent deficit. Kodagu registered a 76 per cent shortfall, followed by Chamarajanagar at 75 per cent and Mandya at 59 per cent.

Although rainfall activity improved marginally in May, it remained insufficient to offset the earlier deficit. Between May 1 and 27, Mysuru received 65 mm rainfall against the normal 103 mm, registering a 37 per cent shortfall, while Kodagu received 64 mm against 114 mm, a deficit of 44 per cent. Mandya and Chamarajanagar fared relatively better, receiving 62 mm and 105 mm respectively.

The data also showed significant rainfall deficits in Hassan and Dakshina Kannada districts.

The deficit comes at a crucial stage as farmers prepare for kharif sowing operations. Adding to the concern, Kodagu, the birthplace of the Cauvery river and the principal catchment area of the river basin, has recorded one of the sharpest rainfall deficits in the region in recent years.

The failure of pre-monsoon showers across the Mysuru region has left farmers anxious, with many now pinning their hopes on the southwest monsoon, which is expected to set in during June.

Despite rain deficits across parts of the State, Karnataka as a whole remained in the “normal” category during the pre-monsoon season, recording 114 mm rainfall against the normal 102 mm — an excess of 12 per cent.