Water ponds in khazan fields not yet recharged
PANAJI
Over a week after the India Meteorological Department declared the arrival of the southwest monsoon in Goa, rains remain scarce and showers have been sporadic and isolated, leaving farmers anxious as their schedules for paddy sowing fall behind.
"The light rain has moistened the soil enough for ploughing. But it is insufficient to sow nursery beds in fields without supplementary irrigation," said botanist and former agriculture officer, Miguel Braganza.
He added that water ponds in the Khazan fields haven't been recharged, levels in the wells near fields are low, and canals are still dry.
As for irrigation only a few stretches have functioning lift irrigation pumps upstream in rivers, while pumping is banned on the Khandepar river to safeguard drinking water at Opa.
Several farmers who have shifted to modern, mechanised methods for sowing and transplanting said they too are facing uncertainty in deciding when to start their operations.
Fr George Quadros, SDB of Goencho Xetkar, Samruddhi FPO, and other agencies raise seedlings in trays using the “Dapog” method for mechanical transplantation. Their captive water sources shield nurseries from rainfall fluctuations. But they too need heavy rain to flood fields for puddling before transplanting, just like those farmers using traditional methods.
In several talukas, farmers who practice dry sowing of seeds -- known locally as xell and chobo -- are waiting for rains to intensify. Those who broadcast pre‑germinated rice seeds (rov or rou) said they are delaying germination until their fields are adequately wet. The delay has already stretched to a week.
The uncertainty is weighing on rural households. “We are ready, but the skies are not,” said Victor Fernandes, a farmer in Verna who is preparing to cultivate his approximately two-acre field in Salcete.
“Every day without rain pushes us back,” he added.
Agriculture officers meanwhile admit the situation is delicate.
“We need consistent rainfall soon. Otherwise, transplanting will be delayed and yields may also suffer,” said one.
Farmers are now pinning hopes on heavy showers in the coming days and are hoping that the rainfall will be well‑distributed through August which is critical around the flowering stage.
The period coincides with the Konsachem Fest, celebrated in Goa's villages beginning with Raia on August 5. The feast, rooted in thanksgiving for the harvest, manifests the cultural bond between rain and rice in Goa.
As clouds drift across the State and the weatherman having announced an under-average rainfall due to the El Nino effect, the wait continues as farmers know that only the rains can decide whether this season will bring abundance or struggle.
