Surveys under way to gauge rain damage to crops

Margao: The agriculture department has launched special surveys to assess the extent of the rain damage caused to paddy fields and plantations across various parts of South Goa. Farmers are facing estimated losses running into lakhs of rupees.

Official sources from the agriculture department report that the hardest-hit areas include Sanguem, Quepem, and Canacona talukas, where approximately 10ha of farmland was completely submerged.

Sources said a comprehensive survey was currently under way to determine the full scope of agricultural damage.

In Sanguem, Quepem, and Dharbandora areas, unrelenting rain over the past four days resulted in waterlogging of a large number of paddy fields. Despite the crops being ready for harvest, accumulated water made it impossible for farmers to access their fields.

Agriculture department officials warn that if the rain continues, the standing crop could suffer complete damage, leading to substantial losses for cultivators.

Salcete taluka experienced relatively minimal impact, with less than 20ha of paddy fields affected, according to sources from the zonal agriculture office. Most farmers in this region had completed their harvest before the onset of heavy rain.

However, fields where sowing was delayed due to water scarcity and other factors suffered damage, particularly in Chandor, where 10-15ha remain submerged.

Velim, traditionally known for extensive rice cultivation, also saw its fields inundated, though the overall damage remains limited since most areas prepared adequately for the kharif season beginning in June.

The weather department’s forecast of continued heavy rainfall over the next three days has added to farmers’ concerns. But agricultural experts note that the softened soil conditions may benefit upcoming ploughing activities for the next cropping season.