Bengaluru: Farming dying a slow death in 36 villages of Bellandur, Varthur

Bengaluru: 36 villages in and around Bellandur and Varthur which was known for paddy cultivation, vegetable farming, was home to lakes which were a source of fish in the local market. The villages have now become dependent on others for the same product as the lake has turned toxic.

Villagers also state that the water that has chemical content that has seeped into the ground water which makes it impossible to cultivate vegetables or paddy, adding that the harsh chemicals have killed the water body, and resources in the area. The activities the villagers perform now are floriculture and dairy farming, that too at great risk.

The farmers say, the cattle which are dependent on grass from the lakes need to be fed daily for milk production. As grass is procured near lakebeds, the risk to the health of cattle cannot be ruled out. Every now and then, veterinarians run tests on the animals, who are treated with injections to fight off the threat of viruses.