PANAJI
Goa's paddy cultivators are a worried lot with the record low rainfall in August and the extension of the prolonged dry spell into September due to the El Nino effect.
Farmers fear that paddy yields may drop drastically if the rains do not return in the next two weeks but agriculture officers believe there's no reason to panic as of now as moisture retention in the soil is still prevalent across the State.
This year, the monsoon arrived in the State very late with the entire month of June passing off virtually dry. The erratic rain patterns -- although the monsoon arrived on June 11 but then the State went dry with just intermittent showers for a few days after June 22 -- forced most farmers to start sowing operations late, well into July, when excessive rains made up for the deficit.
While July brought the smiles back on their faces, paddy cultivators were again confronted with the dry conditions throughout August, where the total rainfall the State got was more than 60% below the average for the month.
In August, the average rainfall is 28.67 inches but Goa recorded just 11.38 inches in the month, leaving those farmers who cultivate paddy on a large scale worried over the potential damage to their yields.
Currently standing paddy is at a stage where rainfall is crucial to avoid the ground soil from cracking. If the dry spell prolongs beyond another fortnight then not just paddy but other vegetable crops could also be at risk.
While farmers like Varad Samant from Dharbandoda and Gautam Khandeparkar from Rivona, are of the opinion that yields could drop by 30 to 40 per-cent, officials of the agriculture department say there is no need to panic.
Samant and Khandeparkar are both apprehensive and are hoping that it rains again within the next fortnight. If not, the rice crop will be at risk.
Director of Agriculture Neville Alfonso, meanwhile, said that although August went largely dry, the soil still retains moisture.
Alfonso said, interior parts of the State are getting a little rain which is sufficient to keep the soil moist and the rice crop or other vegetables standing.
So, there is no need to worry for now, Alfonso said, but his words may not bring solace to Goa's paddy farmers unless the rains do return in the coming days.
