Belagavi's agricultural economy is undergoing a significant shift as farmers expand sugarcane cultivation, abandon tobacco in growing numbers, and increasingly turn to turmeric. The recent surge in turmeric prices has made it one of the district's most profitable commercial crops, with many farmers earning higher returns than from sugarcane.
The expansion of sugarcane cultivation has continued despite recurring disputes between sugar mills and growers over cane prices and delayed payments. Officials expect the area under the crop to exceed three lakh hectares during the 2026-27 season, with Belagavi accounting for about 44% of Karnataka's total sugarcane acreage.
Many growers have also adopted intercropping, raising pulses and vegetables alongside sugarcane to supplement their income. Turmeric has emerged as an attractive cash crop, with 4,180.88 hectares under cultivation in Belagavi during 2024-25, producing 62,713.2 metric tonnes.
Raibag taluk recorded the largest area under turmeric, with 1,603.41 hectares producing 24,051.15 metric tonnes during 2024-25. The crop has become an increasingly important source of income for growers, with market prices reaching nearly ₹15,000 per quintal.
Tobacco cultivation has contracted sharply, with the area under the crop falling from 8,400 hectares in 2023 to fewer than 4,800 hectares. Officials attribute the decline largely to sustained awareness campaigns about the health risks associated with tobacco cultivation and consumption.
