<p>Arecanut yield is likely to decline by around 40 per cent in the district this year: Official <br></p> <p>In the wake of the drying up of arecanut plantations in the perennially drought-hit and arid regions of the district caused by the prolonged dry spell this year, the farmers here are being motivated to take up the cultivation of cashew nut, said M. Vishwanath, Deputy Director, Department of Horticulture. He was speaking at a meeting held to review the progress of implementation of development works of various departments in the city on Monday.Mr. Vishwanath said that owing to the prolonged dry spell and decline in the ground water level, arecanut trees in 570 hectares of land have dried up in the district.Owing to moisture stress, the inflorescence part of the flower in the tree is not opening up properly. This has adversely affected the pollination process. In addition to this, the dropping of arecanut flowers and immature nuts is also being witnessed.The arecanut yield is likely to decline by around 40 per cent in the district this year, he said. <br></p> <p>Better suited to climate</p><p>As cashew crops require less water and are suited to the climate in the region, the farmers from arid and perennially drought-hit areas have been asked to take up cashew cultivation. They will be extended financial assistance under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme for developing cashew plantations, he said. <br></p> <p>More borewells needed</p> <p>Subash Chandra, district-in-charge Secretary, who chaired the meeting, directed the officials to dig public borewells to meet drinking water needs and under the GangaKalyana scheme after seeking suggestions from hydrogeological experts. CEO of Zilla Panchayat Rakesh Kumar was also present.<br></p>