PANAJI
The India Meteorological Department has forecast below‑average rainfall for Goa this year, leaving paddy farmers and agricultural officers anxious about the coming kharif season.
The IMD expects only 90 per cent of the long‑period average rainfall between June and September, citing El Niño conditions and Goa’s agriculture officials warn that even a 10 per cent deficit could cut paddy yields by 15–20 per cent.
Last year, Goa reported paddy cultivation in around 14,000 hectares and an output of an estimated 90,000 tonnes. That stability was due to near‑normal rains, although there was some loss due to unexpected rainfall affecting un-harvested crops. “We depend entirely on the monsoon, with irrigation is limited. A weak season means direct loss,” said Maria Fernandes, a farmer from Quepem. Another farmer in Tiswadi said, if rains fail, re‑sowing is unthinkable since costs are high.
Agricultural officers are preparing contingency plans and pushing farmers to opt for drought‑resistant seed varieties. “Staggered sowing may be necessary if rains delay,” said a ZAO from North Goa.
Officials said, stocking of adequate seed reserves to support re‑sowing is being worked on, also stressing that conservation of water by strengthening bundhs is a good option.
Officials also said, that the Centre has stocked a national reserve of 174,000 quintals of seeds to meet exigencies and Goa will receive its share if rainfall deficit threatens the kharif season.
Anxiety remains high among the paddy farming community in Goa and government officials admit to the challenge to retain or improve coverage and output at last year’s levels of 14,000 hectares and approximately 90,000 tonnes of paddy.
