With monsoons hitting the State, the sowing paddy seeds should have been taken up by now.
However at Chinchinim, it is sad to see that this year in particular many fertile fields are still fallow. The reason for this inactivity is not very clear and convincing.
It is known that many of the tenants who have taken up the fields for cultivation through the years have of late sublet the fields. These cultivators are mostly from in and around Canacona. Lack of transport due to the curfew and shortage of labour in pandemic times may be possible factors.
Besides, hordes of cattle descend daily at this place and virtually destroy the crop. It is not possible for farmers to keep a daily watch and fence the vast periphery of the land under cultivation.
The government and panchayats do not have cattle pounds to impound the cattle which could reduce the menace of cattle invasion and thereby a threat to crops.
Presently, the price of local rice is in the range of Rs 65 plus per kg and the non-production will only escalate the prices further.
Hope the authorities take note and provide remedial measures to the affected farmers.
