MARGAO
Farmers of Raia are bracing themselves to revive fields left fallow for the last four years due to the accumulation of silt and other issues hampering paddy cultivation.
Work on the de-silting of the sprawling fields, belonging to around 18 farmers, is almost complete, thanks to Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco for obtaining the requisite permissions from the Salcete Mamlatdar and other authorities.
The farmers are now looking forward to the MLA extending his help and assistance to plough the fields through mechanisation.
Chairman of the Farmers Association, Joao Vaz, told the media after an inspection of the fields by the Curtorim MLA that the farmers have taken the initiative to revive the fields with the help of the MLA. “Since the work of de-silting is over, we intend to cultivate the Korgut variety of rice in the coming season. We will get the fields ploughed together after obtaining the Form I & XIV from the farmers. Even if some of the farmers are not interested in cultivating the fields, we will cultivate the fields for them,” Vaz said.
Reginaldo told the media that a host of issues had plagued the fields, rendering them fallow over the last four years. “The Association has taken the initiative to revive the fields through its funds. I have only helped to obtain the requisite permissions from the taluka mamlatdar,” he said.
He said a meeting of the farmers will be called soon to chalk out a plan of action for the revival of the fields. “If the farmers cooperate, we will be able to revive the fields without much difficulty. Once cultivated, these fields will be a feast for the eyes as they will bring greenery to the entire area,” he added.
