101 is the helpline in case of a fire, 100 is the helpline to seek police intervention and assistance and 108 is the helpline to avail of facilities of an ambulance, so as we are approaching the monsoon and farmers begin their yearly agricultural sowing season, it may be brought to light that monsoon may not be lucky for all, a few farmers will be in distress due to flooding, deficient rains or due to pollution caused by mining run-offs and discharge of toxic industrial pollutants. For such an eventuality, the government of Goa must set up a helpline to assist farmers in distress. It can save a life or even immediate succour can lead to crops being saved.
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) may be able to save the day for farmers in distress. A task force should be set up to provide timely help to farmers in distress in order to alleviate their difficulties.
Elvidio Miranda, via email
