International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Research Scholar Shri. Suresh Lamani, Assistant Professor Dr.M.B. Chalawadi
Abstract: Rainfall is the key hydro-meteorological determinant governing agricultural sustainability in the semi-arid regions of North Interior Karnataka. This paper presents a rigorous statistical appraisal of rainfall characteristics in Gadag district over a 35-year epoch (1991–2025) across seven taluks Gadag, Mundargi, Shirhatti, Ron, Nargund, Lakshmeshwar, and Gajendragad. The long-term mean annual rainfall of the district is established at 542.53 mm with a standard deviation of 103.77 mm and a Coefficient of Variation (CV) of 19.13%, representing moderate inter-annual variability. Seasonal partitioning demonstrates the dominance of the South-West (SW) monsoon, contributing 66.8% (362.48 mm) to the annual budget, followed by the North-East (NE) monsoon at 16.7% (90.40 mm). Spatial analysis indicates that Shirhatti receives the highest annual mean (586.74 mm), while Nargund is the most arid taluk (501.69 mm). According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) drought indices, the 35-year period witnessed 6 excess years, 7 deficit years, and 22 normal years. These findings offer critical baselines for predictive water budgeting, drought preparedness, and regional cropping patterns.
