PANAJI
Despite efforts by the agriculture department to promote farming through mechanisation and subsidies, several farmers are losing interest in the traditional occupation.
"Though statistics may indicate there is no decline in paddy cultivation, it is practically not the case. A growing number of farmers are forced to discontinue paddy cultivation, and I am one of them,” said Ashok Joshi, a farmer from Sattari.
“I went into losses for three consecutive years due to water-logging, destruction due to wild animals and unseasonal rainfall during harvesting,” lamented Joshi, while listing out the reasons for his decision to quit paddy cultivation three years ago.
Joshi had been cultivating paddy on his one hectare of land for 35 years, and before that, his father had cultivated the land.
Division of farms among relatives was also another reason for paddy cultivation to become impractical.
“There is no market for the paddy and the quality of paddy we produce in Goa is not as good as the quality produced in Karnataka and other states,” said Joshi.
“Earlier, people used to take cultivable land on lease to cultivate and pay some portion of produce to the owner. Now, the farmers own the land themselves but are not cultivating it.”
“If we don't address the issue now, the situation will turn grim in the next 10 years,” he added.
In the coastal area where the tourism business is booming, roadside paddy fields have been filled for commercial constructions.
"Thousands of square metres of agricultural land have been converted into concrete jungles,” said Erwin Fonseca of Assagao, who has filed a complaint against landfilling activities.
“Besides, support prices need to be revised every year. Unless some serious steps are taken, paddy cultivation will become extinct in the State,” said Fonseca.
Director of Agriculture refutes claims of decline in cultivation
THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
Director of Agriculture Nevil Alphonso has refuted claims that paddy cultivation is on the decline in the State.
“The concept of community farming is taking roots in Goa and has become a ray of hope. There are 32 agriculture groups registered with the agriculture department and availing subsidies,” said Alphonso.
“We give a 50% subsidy on seeds and machinery. With this government assistance, farming has stabilised and there is no decrease in farmers cultivating paddy. It is not true to say paddy cultivation is declining.”
“In case of natural calamity, farmers are given a compensation of Rs 40,000 per hectare.”
