VASCO
While the deficient rainfall across Goa has raised concerns over its impact on agriculture, paddy cultivation in Mormugao taluka appears to have largely escaped the adverse effects of the dry spell, with farmers having timed their sowing well ahead of the monsoon.
Mormugao Zonal Agriculture Officer Mahesh Kankonkar said there had been little or no impact of the reduced rainfall on paddy cultivation across the taluka. “I have personally cross-checked the paddy fields across various locations of Mormugao taluka. Farmers generally cultivate paddy in Velsao, Cansaulim, Cuelim, Quelossim and Chicalim, and they were smart enough to sow the fields just ahead of the monsoon and at the right time,” Kankonkar said.
He said the showers that followed the initial sowing provided adequate water for the growth of the paddy crop, despite the overall rainfall being scarce. “Though there was less rainfall, the amount received was just right for the paddy fields. Had the farmers delayed sowing, the fields would have dried up and the crops could have been affected by now. But since the sowing was done at the appropriate time, the crop has received sufficient moisture,” he said.
Kankonkar said farmers are expected to harvest their paddy shortly and should get a fair yield despite the deficient rainfall. However, he said the situation could be different for other crops that require considerably more water. Brinjal cultivation, in particular, could face some impact as farmers in areas such as Velsao are now preparing to sow the crop. “Brinjal requires moist soil and a good supply of water. The yield of brinjal could be affected if the required moisture is not available. But paddy cultivation has not been severely affected by the scarce rainfall,” Kankonkar said.
With paddy harvesting approaching, agriculture officials expect Mormugao’s farmers to see relatively little disruption from the rainfall deficit, although water-dependent vegetable crops could face greater challenges in the coming weeks.
