MAPUSA
Late rains and choked drains have spelled doom to farmers in Aldona, as unexpected showers flooded fields in Panarim-Aldona, causing extensive damage to crops.
September and October are the months when the paddy crop is harvested, but the late showers have dashed the hopes of farmers, as stalks of paddy that were nearly ready for harvest were either submerged under water or flattened by the wind.
Blaming the government, the farmers said departments concerned failed to clean two major drains adjoining the fields, as a result all the rainwater entered into the fields damaging their crops.
All the hard work of the farmers has gone down the drain, as stalks of the submerged paddy have begun to sprout.
Upset with the damage, the farmers have decided not to harvest their crop.
Two main drains, one from Kaprem-bhatt leading to the Panarim Manas and the other from Tollear to the Panarim Manas were not cleaned for years. Consequently, the rainwater instead of moving out through the drains rushed into the fields, damaging the standing crop. "An estimate of Rs 22 lakh was drawn to repair the drains and construct a retaining wall some three years back. But till date the proposal has remain stuck," said Vital Naik, President of Nachinola Farmers' Club.
At least 13 farmers from Panarim have been affected on account of devastation caused to their crops.
An aggrieved farmer, Atmaram Mayankar disclosed that local MLA, Glen Ticlo was informed about their problem when he had come to inaugurate the launching of the harvester machine in the area.
Rena Menezes, Zonal Agriculture Officer of Bardez, informed that the survey work for assessing crop damage was still underway. "We will carry out an assessment and send the report to our head office. We will provide relief to the affected farmers under the Shetkar Adhar Nidhi," Menezes said.
On the repair of the drains, the ZAO said a separate report will be sent to the irrigation department.
