An unexpected spell of heavy pre-monsoon rain at the end of May has wreaked havoc across South Goa’s paddy fields, reportedly causing severe losses for farmers in several talukas. It is learnt that villages like Velim, Assolda, Chandor, Sanguem, Quepem, and Canacona have been among the worst affected. In Chandor, rabi paddy reportedly had to be abandoned midway. Farmers across several talukas in Goa are grappling with crop damage, with paddy, fruit, and vegetable cultivations being hit particularly hard. Excessive rainfall can lead to flooding, which can wash away soil nutrients and damage crops. Additionally, too much water can cause crops to become waterlogged, leading to disease. Farmers were not prepared for such a sudden downpour. They even left harvested paddy out in the open to dry. It is learnt that the widespread nature of the problem has prompted the agriculture department to begin special surveys to assess the scale of damage across South Goa. Small and marginalized farmers are vulnerable. The government needs to act swiftly, not only to compensate affected farmers but also to ensure that future losses are minimized through timely interventions.
