Farmers in Ambolim village of Quepem are facing a severe agricultural crisis as the prolonged dry spell has left paddy fields parched, resulting in widespread crop failure and mounting financial losses.
According to local farmers, repeated attempts to cultivate paddy this season have failed due to the acute shortage of rainfall. Many said they sowed their fields three times, but each effort was unsuccessful as the lack of water caused the crops to wither.
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In a desperate bid to save the remaining paddy, several farmers have been carrying water in buckets to their fields. Despite these efforts, most of the crops have dried up, forcing many cultivators to leave their land uncultivated.
Some farmers have now begun sowing seeds on the dry fields in the hope that the monsoon will revive, though they admit there is little optimism after weeks of inadequate rainfall.
The affected farmers have appealed to the Goa government for immediate intervention, seeking compensation for crop losses, irrigation support and emergency financial assistance to help them recover from the severe impact of the prolonged dry spell.
