The India Meteorological Department (IMD) measures Goa's rainfall through rain gauges installed across its talukas. Farmers depend on this data to monitor the monsoon, plan kharif paddy sowing, and manage irrigation. However, this year's erratic rainfall has left many cultivators worried. Although some areas have received light to moderate showers, the southwest monsoon has remained weak. Wells alone cannot sustain paddy cultivation, and the prolonged dry spells are forcing farmers to manually water young seedlings to prevent them from drying out. Such conditions increase production costs and threaten crop yields. Steady, moderate rainfall is essential for maintaining soil moisture, preparing fields, and ensuring successful transplantation of paddy. While cumulative rainfall may have helped fill dams and reservoirs for future water needs, it has not been sufficient or well distributed to support ongoing agricultural activities. This situation highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive water-harvesting policy and better rainwater conservation measures. Strengthening water management today will help safeguard Goa's agriculture and improve resilience against increasingly unpredictable monsoon patterns in the years ahead.
RAJESH BANAULIKAR, Arpora
