Dharwad: The return of the southwest monsoon has brought smiles back to Dharwad farmers, ending weeks of anxiety over a prolonged dry spell and reviving hopes for a productive kharif season.Steady, moderate showers over the past two days have offered much-needed relief to farmers worried about the dry spell after sowing operations. Dharwad city, the taluk and surrounding villages have received good rainfall, improving soil moisture conditions and boosting confidence among the farming community.Kharif is the most crucial cropping season in the region, with a large number of farmers cultivating green gram and other rain-fed crops. Encouraged by pre-monsoon showers in May, many farmers completed sowing in the last week of May and the first week of June.However, the optimism soon gave way to concern as rainfall remained scarce for nearly two weeks after sowing. The lack of moisture threatened germination and early crop growth, raising fears of losses and forcing farmers to monitor weather conditions closely.The recent return of the monsoon has eased those concerns considerably. Widespread rainfall on Tuesday prompted farmers to visit their fields, assess crop conditions and resume agricultural activities. Intermittent showers continued on Wednesday across Dharwad city and several villages, further strengthening hopes of a favourable season.Farmers said the timely rains have improved prospects for standing crops and reduced the immediate risk posed by the dry spell. If the monsoon remains active in the coming weeks, they expect healthy crop growth and a good kharif harvest.The rainfall has not only revived crops but also restored confidence among farmers who feared a difficult season. With weather conditions turning favourable, the farming community is now looking ahead with renewed optimism.
