Kerala produces less than 15 per cent of its own grains and vegetables.
In Wayanad, many farmers have started using sprinklers to irrigate his crops. Paddy cultivator KP John said he has been forced to adopt it due to scarcity of water for irrigation.
State Revenue Minister E Chandrasekharan declared Kerala a drought hit state on Monday in the Assembly. Most of the water reservoirs across the state have recorded a water deficit of 50 per cent. The South West monsoon has been deficit by 34% while the North East monsoon is expected to be deficit by 69%.
Sekhar Kuriakose, a scientist with the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority told NDTV, "Various District Collectors have been instructed that water needs to be prioritised - first for drinking, followed by household purposes, animals and then agriculture."
Kerala produces less than 15 per cent of its own grains and vegetables, and a drought can have a severe impact on this production.
"With such less rainfall, I don't even know if I can expect anything from the second cycle of crops. It's going to be a huge impact for me', Johnny said. Wayanad has been among the worst hit districts with a rain deficit of around 59%.
Timely and adequate monsoon is also important for cultivation of cash crops like pepper, ginger, coffee for which Kerala traditionally has been among the highest exporters. The revenue minister in the Assembly has specified that the state will be seeking financial aid from the Centre.