An agriculturist near Uppinangady has a passion for measuring rainfall. Dinakar Bhat K. has been maintaining rainfall statistics since 1989.
The records, he has maintained, in terms of inches, were from a rain gauge, installed in the front yard of his home in Adenja on Kuppetti-Ujire Road.
According to Mr Bhat’s statistics, in the last 23 years, highest non-seasonal rainfall (9.5 inches) was recorded in the month of March, 2008, lowest rainfall (115.56 inches) in 2002 and highest rainfall (187.49 inches) in 2009.
He said, on an average, rainfall received in August is 35 inches, but this year 48.40 inches of rainfall was recorded.
Mr. Bhat said that the rainfall data helped him estimate when he should spray copper sulphate and limestone mixture in his areca plantation, to control kole roga (fruit rot disease). Mr. Bhat said that according to his calculations, 55 per cent of the rainfall was received by the end of July. He said normally 30 inches to 40 inches of rainfall was recorded in June and in July above 45 inches was recorded. But in July 2009 83.51 inches of rainfall was recorded. “It is my school-day interest. I used to collect rainwater and measure it in a scale,” said Mr. Bhat. He learnt the scientific method of measuring rainfall after graduation. The daily measurement of rainfall was for 24 hours, ending at 7 a.m.
