Mango orchards worst hit; cashew crop also affected by downpour
PANAJI
Heavy rains that lashed parts of Sattari lastweekend have left several farmers counting losses, as the downpour causedsignificant damage to their horticultural crops, particularly mango orchards,with cashew plantations also affected.
Agriculture officials admitted that smallerfarmers bore the brunt of the damage. However, they said a formal assessment ofthe losses has not yet been carried out.
“We know there is some impact, especially onthose with smaller holdings. The extent will be clear only after surveys,” oneofficial said.
Farmers The Goan spoke to reported asignificant drop of immature fruit on their farms following the showers.
“The mangoes were just setting. Now most ofthem are on the ground,” said a grower from Valpoi. Cashew growers too complainedof damage, though to a lesser degree.
For many of these farmers, whose annual cashearnings depend much on the mango and cashew yields, the timing of the rainshas been particularly cruel.
Mango and cashew are key cash crops inSattari, and the season had just begun to show promise, said one farmer.
The sudden spell has not only reduced yieldbut also raised fears of lower income for them.
Local residents said such heavy showers areunusual for this time of the year. While rain is welcome in the summer heat,its intensity has left orchards vulnerable, and farmers now await officialcompensation measures, if any, though past experience has made them accustomedto delays.
