CHIKMAGALUR: Widespread rains in various parts of Chikmagalur district for the past three days evoked mixed response from coffee growers.

The first spell of rain in summer, which is called "blossom showers" here because it causes the coffee plant to flower, has arrived almost four weeks early this year.

Many parts of the coffee-growing areas in the district have received moderate to good rainfall. A large number of growers, who had started sprinkler irrigation on their Robusta coffee plantation, can save on fuel cost. Harvesting of coffee has been delayed this year because of shortage of workers.

The skin of the ripe coffee berries will open because of excessive moisture causing the beans to drop. This will push up the cost of harvesting and affect the quality of coffee.

Arabica coffee growers, who have received scanty to moderate rainfall, are anxious about damage to next year's crop.

Kadur and Tarikere taluks, which are in the plains, have received rain.

Agricultural operations will start because farmers will begin preparing the land for sowing rabi crop.

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