Karnataka to launch 60-day cloud-seeding drive amid widespread rain deficit

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Aug 24, 2026: With deficient rainfall raising concerns over crop losses and water availability, Karnataka will launch a 60-day cloud-seeding operation across several parts of the state from Monday, Water Resources Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy said.

Speaking to reporters, Cheluvarayaswamy said the operation would involve around 200 hours of cloud seeding across different parts of Karnataka at an estimated cost of ₹28.52 crore.

“Rainfall deficiency has been recorded in 178 taluks across 27 districts. By the end of June, the state had recorded a 42% rainfall deficit, while by the end of July, the deficit stood at 29%. Several taluks are facing drought-like conditions,” he said.

The minister said sowing had already been completed in several areas and crops could face severe damage if rains failed to arrive soon.

“There was pressure to undertake cloud seeding. After holding discussions with officials and public representatives, the Chief Minister approved the operation,” he said.

The cloud-seeding exercise is expected to provide relief to farmers and help address drinking water concerns amid the deficient monsoon, he added.

The operations will be carried out through various irrigation corporations within their respective jurisdictions. Karnataka has undertaken cloud-seeding exercises several times in the past, but more advanced technology will be used this time, Cheluvarayaswamy said.

Karnataka’s Earlier Cloud-Seeding Operations

Karnataka previously conducted government-backed cloud-seeding operations under Project Varuna in 2003 and Varshadhare in 2017. Some legislators have also undertaken cloud-seeding operations in their respective districts at their own expense.

Cloud seeding can be carried out only when suitable clouds are present. During the process, aircraft disperse salts or other seeding agents into clouds to increase the concentration of water particles and facilitate rainfall.

Drought Decision After August-End Review

Agriculture Minister P.M. Narendra Swamy said the government would take a decision on declaring drought after reviewing rainfall and crop conditions at the end of August.

He said the Agriculture Department had assessed the rainfall and crop situation over the past five weeks.

“We will prepare a report containing factual details on the extent of sowing, crop damage and prevailing rainfall and crop conditions and submit it to the Revenue Department,” he said.

The Revenue Department will forward the report, along with the necessary documents, to the Centre. A central team will subsequently visit Karnataka to assess the situation, following which a decision on declaring drought will be taken, Narendra Swamy said.