Agriculture:
Shivamogga is essentially an agrarian district, with not just its economy but its whole society being largely defined by the seasons and success of agriculture. About 70% of the district's workforce is engaged in the agricultural sector which contributes about 70% of the district's income.

Known the world over, historically, for its production and processing of areca nut (borne by the betel palm Areca Catechu), Shivamogga is also the rice bowl of Karnataka. The other principal crops include ragi, jowar and maize; ground nut and sunflower; red gram and Bengal gram; sugar cane, cotton and tobacco. Many varieties of fruit, vegetables and spices are also grown in the district. About two-thirds of the area is under cereals, pulses and oilseeds occupying 4-5% each.

Different types of crops are cultivated in different natural regions of the district, with Bhadravati leading in paddy and sugar cane, by virtue of its irrigational strength, Sagar being the first in areca nut production.

Its powerful sources and resources of water and irrigation have been particularly responsible for the distinguished profile Shivamogga enjoys in the agricultural sectors. In addition to the major rivers and streams (A whole host of major, medium and minor irrigation schemes, notably the Bhadra Reservoir project and the Tunga left and right bank canals, have been launched for harnessing them.), numerous tanks, canals, wells and lift irrigation systems plus substantial groundwater resources render the district one of the best irrigated regions of Karnataka.

Because of increasing irrigation facilities, there is now a pronounced shift from dry to wet crop cultivation, more rotation of crops (e.g., sugar cane with paddy), and cultivation of multiple crops at the same time.

The cropping seasons of the district are Kharif, Rabi and Summer, the first two being major, and these are essentially based on rainfall patterns.

The agricultural sectors in the district is well supported by its research and extension infrastructure which includes a Regional Research and Training Centre of University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore at Navile, a testing station at Kathalagere, an Areca Research Station and a horticultural training centre. The district has well-developed agricultural marketing system with regulated markets at Shivamogga, Bhadravati, Sagar and Shikaripura. It also has institutions like the Western Ghats Development Boards for support to agriculture in the region. Agencies like MAMCOS and APMC’s are working towards the proper marketing of agricultural produces.

Timely onset of monsoon, even distribution of rainfall, good irrigation facilities and uninterrupted availability of power will continue to determine the destiny of agriculture and therefore, the destiny of the district as a whole.