Goa’s paddy crop has been affected by deficient monsoon rainfall, with preliminary reports estimating damage to around 20 hectares of cultivated fields across the state.

Agriculture Director Chandrahas Desai said crop damage had been reported from nearly all talukas where paddy is grown. Both low-lying and upland fields have been affected, although the impact has been more noticeable in upland areas, while low-lying fields have generally retained sufficient moisture.

Desai said the reported figure of 20 hectares refers only to the area where crop damage has been reported and does not indicate the percentage of crop loss across the state.

He said that most parts of Goa had not experienced any major impact from the recent spell of reduced rainfall and clarified that the 20 hectares reported as affected referred to the area of crop damage, not the percentage of crop loss.

The Agriculture Department has not yet assessed the monetary value of the damage. Farmers will first have to submit the required forms, after which officials will inspect the affected fields and determine the actual extent of crop loss.

Desai said it would be premature to draw a comparison between the current kharif crop damage and losses reported during the previous year, as the assessment is still in progress.

The Directorate of Agriculture had earlier directed taluka-level officials to closely monitor crop conditions after Goa experienced a prolonged dry spell in September. Farmers had also faced a 10-day dry spell in July, which raised concerns over crop stress and water availability.

As per reports, Goa received around 80 inches of cumulative rainfall between June 1 and September 30, nearly 30 inches below the normal rainfall for the period.

Despite the rainfall deficit, the Agriculture Department does not currently anticipate any significant impact on the upcoming rabi season.

Desai said rabi crops are normally sown towards the end of November or in early December and harvested in the following months. According to him, the moisture levels and water availability at present are expected to be sufficient for the initial phase of rabi cultivation.

However, he cautioned that the situation could worsen if the state experiences prolonged dry periods later in the season, particularly as Goa approaches the summer months.

Meanwhile, the Agriculture Department is making preparations to distribute vegetable seeds to farmers for the upcoming rabi season.

Source - https://nenews.in