Sirsi: Unseasonal rain and unprecedented cold weather due to cyclone Mandous have been affecting the processing of arecanut.

Arecanut harvesting has been going on in many parts of Sirsi taluk for the last one week and the processing of red arecanut too has begun.

As a result of the rain and moist weather, arecanut kernels that were kept for sun drying after boiling have been catching fungus. This has been worrying the farmers.

“Quintals of arecanuts have been affected by fungus due to unexpected rains that began pouring after the harvesting was done. Such arecanut has to be once again processed and costs double. Also, we fear the quality of yield may come down,” said farmer Santosh Kalakardi.