Monsoon disappearance worries Goan farmers

PTI, PANAJI | 01 July 2014 21:58 IST

Goa's agriculture department is worried as the rain deficit in the first month after arrival of south west monsoon may pose problems for farming activity in the state.

The meteorological observatory in Panaji has recorded 49 percent rain deficit in the first month, teamed with the late arrival of monsoon in the state.

The monsoon had arrived on 11 June in Goa as against the scheduled arrival on 2 June.

State Agriculture Director Prajapati Tufani admitted that the current trend of rain is worrisome for paddy farming.

"We have to pray to God for showers now," he said.

The problems for paddy farming might worsen if rains don't turn up in next three days, a senior scientist from Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) said.

"In paddy cultivation, the upland farming will have more problems. Those who have already tilled and sown the seeds will have to go for resowing. The fields in low lying areas might not face much problem, but it is imperative that it should rain in next three days," said Dr H R Prabhudesai, scientist with ICAR, Goa.

Government figures reveal that the state has approximately 50,000 hectares area under paddy cultivation, of which kharif (rainy season) is around 35,000 hectares and rabi is 12,000 hectares of land.

"Rice is a water-loving plant, like banana and sugar cane. There should be a contingency plan ready with the government. If seeds are burnt without proper rain, then the state government should provide more seeds for the farmers," he said.

The IMD has conceded that there is rain deficit-like situation in the first month.

"The total seasonal rainfall till Monday was 460.8 mm as against the normal 889.8 mm," said K V Singh, in-charge IMD Goa office.

The IMD has predicted that the monsoon currents might pick up during next 24 hours.

 


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Previous Comments

Water management has been a big issue in Goa which no Govt. wants to deal with. Goa gets ~ 100 inch of rainfall every years but still the wells in villages run dry in March. why? why cant they have water reservoirs up top the mountains, why not dig holes on the slopes and mountains for better retention of water and maintain the water tables, these are simple fixes, but nobody is bothered. Everyone will shower us with their theories about the disappearance of rain, etc. but nobody talks about effective fixes.

- Ramakant, Goa | 01 st July 2014 23:18

 

State Of Goa Government Must Give 50% Subsidy In All Agricultural Related Equipments, Seeds, Etc. Farmers Should Be Given Good Welcome In The Agriculture Ministry. They Should Be Given A VIP Type Welcome. Appreciate Them. Because Of Farmers We Goans Have Something To Eat And Not Depend On Import. Thanks To Goan Farmers.

- Jose Rod, Goa | 01 st July 2014 22:02

 

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