As farmers in gear up for the Mundakan cropping season, the absence of a permanent agriculture officer at the Krishi Bhavan has left them struggling for timely guidance, subsidies and essential farm inputs.

The agriculture officer here has been on leave for nearly two months, while farmers say the officer holding temporary charge visits the office only occasionally. With planting set to begin soon after Onam, most farmers are already busy preparing their fields.

At this crucial stage, the Krishi Bhavan is yet to distribute lime powder to farmers for application in the fields. Lime powder, which is applied before sowing to reduce acidity of soil, is supposed to be supplied mandatorily through the Krishi Bhavan at subsidised rates. Farmers say the delay in making it available is hampering preparations for the new crop.

The delay has added to the woes of paddy farmers, who are already struggling with high labour costs and a shortage of farmhands. Farmers also say the day-to-day functioning of the Krishi Bhavan and coordination with polder committees have been affected in the absence of a permanent officer.

With only a few days left for Mundakan cultivation to begin on around 800 acres of fields, polder committees and farmers have urged the Agriculture Department to urgently appoint a permanent agriculture officer in Kadavallur and ensure the timely supply of essential inputs, including subsidised lime powder.