PANAJI
Midway into the kharif season, erratic rainfall continues to unsettle Goa’s paddy farmers. Showers had been uneven at the start which had left nurseries and transplanted fields vulnerable.
Officials admit the uncertainty could hit yields if the monsoon continues its erratic pattern seen thus far into the first two weeks of September.
In Curtorim considered the core of Salcete's granary, mentor‑farmer Santan Pereira said the situation is mixed.
“The lake crop is 60 days old, weeding is complete, and flowering has begun. No worry there,” he explained, adding however that the Morod and Addi fields need urgent weeding.
"Labour shortage is the main problem. Weeds grow fast," Pereira added.
Pereira also warned of the bigger risk ahead due to weather uncertanties.
“If heavy rain comes down during harvest time like last year in the last week of September, the entire 60‑day crop at the lake will be damaged. We pray for dry weather in the second half of September,” Pereira said.
Progressive agriculturist Nestor Rangel struck a cautious note.
“So far, so good, But we require standing water (water-logging in fields) from next month during the milk formation stage of the grain. Without that, the crop yields will suffer,” Rangel said.
Farmers across Bardez and Salcete echo the concern.
“We transplanted late. Now the rains vanish for days. The soil dries, seedlings wilt,” said a cultivator from Salcete.
Another cultivator from Bardez added that steady showers and not scattered drizzles are desperately needed now. Otherwise, the crop is at risk.”
Agriculture department officials acknowledge the challenge.
“Rainfall has been below normal in several talukas. We are advising farmers to manage water carefully and prepare for contingencies,” an official said.
Minor pest attacks have been reported, including Gundhi bug infestations, but officials say they remain manageable but the larger worry continues to be rainfall distribution.
With paddy central to Goa’s Kharif season and cultural calendar, the stakes are high for farmers who are pinning hopes on late August and early September showers to rescue the season.
