Panaji : Goa faced above average rainfall last year, however due to the lockdown and restrictions on movement the farmers could not fully take advantage of the season to reap benefits of their crops.
With cyclone Tauktae leaving a trail of destruction across Goa farmers are carrying out repair work at war footing and bracing up for Kharif crops. Goa’s rainy season is between the months of June and August. The rains usually start in late May and extend up to September. Scientist at IMD, Rahul M speaking about monsoon informed “with present observations, it is less likely that south west monsoon will arrive over Goa before its normal date of 5th June”
However, rainfall and thundershowers activity is likely to continue over Goa and conditions are being monitored, Rahul added.
With curfew ending on 7th June, farmers in Goa are planning to get their fields ready for crops. This year, cultivation of rice, a major cash crop of Goa, may increase. After a dry patch for almost a month, the upcoming monsoon has brightened the agricultural prospects in Goa.
Gaurav Naik a resident of Pernem is a youth who enjoys farming as a hobby while speaking to Goa News Hub(GNH) he Said, “This year due to cyclone Tauktae we had an early rainfall making our field ploughable, due to various government schemes and machinery farming has become inexpensive. This year we are expecting an early harvest.”
Shivam Gayak, a resident of Sanquelim told GNH, “It’s Quite difficult to get workers during lockdown. Since our farm is in a remote area bringing heavy machinery to plough the field is burdensome. After June 7 I look forward to cultivating paddy which is a seasonal crop.”
Ugam Prabhudesai, a resident of Korgaon not only helps his dad in farming but also wants to pursue Bsc in agriculture “I grew up watching my dad work in the field. I want to take up this profession too. Due to the cyclone our banana trees, coconut trees were uprooted; our polyhouse was destroyed but I am optimistic and apprehensive for a good paddy harvest this year” he said.
Divya Parab owns a farm in Torzem, who also enjoys helping her father in cultivation. Currently they are harvesting turmeric. “We are fixing the irrigation in our farm. Weeds and unwanted trees need to be cleared before we can plant more vegetables in the field.” She informed GNH that cyclone has caused destruction of 200 Kg seeds “due to curfew and cyclone we could not visit our farm where we had kept the seeds which eventually dried up” she said
The Government of Goa is aiming to double the farmers’ income by the year 2022. Goan farmers coming out of the gloom and cultivating their fields during these challenging times could provide a boost to the Government of Goa in reaching their goals.
