Bengaluru, July 2 -- Amid a sharp decline in inflows across major water bodies, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday appealed to farmers across the state to avoid cultivating water-intensive crops until reservoir levels improve.

Addressing a press conference here, Shivakumar said agricultural decisions must be aligned with monsoon progress and actual water availability in reservoirs.

"This is a matter of serious concern. I appeal to farmers not to come under pressure to sow crops relying solely on reservoir water. If there is no water, we will not be able to release water for irrigation," the CM said.

He added, "Therefore, farmers should make decisions based on the progress of the monsoon. Until the reservoirs are adequat...