Goa's farming community is facing a difficult and uncertain season. With July nearing its end, the State should have been experiencing the peak of the monsoon. The delayed arrival of the monsoon, followed by an extended dry spell, has left farmers anxious about the fate of their crops. Paddy fields, vegetable farms, and horticultural plantations across several parts of Goa have already begun showing signs of moisture stress. If the dry conditions persist, crop yields are likely to decline sharply, affecting the state's agricultural output and food security. The Goa government has assured that if farmers seek compensation for crop loss they will be granted. This assurance is welcome, but the magnitude of the crisis calls for a broader and more proactive response. Rather than waiting for individual claims after crops have completely failed, the government should consider announcing a comprehensive relief package for all affected farmers. Such a package could include direct financial assistance, subsidized seeds for replanting wherever possible, interest relief on agricultural loans and support for irrigation facilities. Immediate intervention would help prevent further distress and enable farmers to prepare for the next cultivation cycle.
ADELMO FERNANDES, Vasco
