Khola chilli cultivation hit as early rains destroy seedlings

Canacona: This time of the year, Canacona’s hinterlands of Gaondongrim, Cotigao, Shristhal and Khola would have been buzzing with chilli transplantation activities, but this year, the farmers of these areas seem to be lost as the early arrival of monsoon has affected their seedlings. The sudden showers flooded the chilli nurseries and that lead to rotting of the seedlings.
Farmers across Gaondongrim, Khola, Shristhal, Cotigao, Poinguinim and parts of Loliem-Polem are not sure of how to source the chilli seedlings for transplantation, said Tolu M Gaonkar, a farmer.
The income from chilli farming sustains many households, said former panch Ashok Velip.
Xenvtem Velip from Gaondongrim, said, “This year’s loss will hit us hard.”
Paddy farmers also had a similar fate. Mahendra Pagi, zonal agriculture officer, Canacona, said about 1.2 hectares of paddy area at Devbhag has been destroyed. He said a farmer’s claim has been sent for compensation under the Shetkari Aadha Nidhi Scheme.
GI-tagged Khola chilli, grown on the hills of Canacona, is known for its distinct pungency and aroma. Its age-old cultivation method includes land preparation in May, followed by seed broadcasting and nursery development. The seedlings are then transplanted on the hills with the onset of monsoon. However, due to excess rain, many nursery beds were submerged, resulting in seedling damage.