Farmers across South Goa are facing a challenging agricultural season as inadequate rainfall and delayed monsoon showers have disrupted the annual paddy cultivation cycle, leaving many fields uncultivated even by mid-July.
Paddy cultivation, which typically begins in June, has been delayed across several parts of the district due to the lack of sufficient rainfall. The prolonged dry spell has prevented many farmers from preparing and sowing their fields, raising fears of reduced crop production this season.
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Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenço described the situation as “very scary,” stating that many farmers have been unable to begin cultivation despite the monsoon being well underway.
He said only fields located close to reliable water sources have been spared, while the majority of farmers continue to struggle because of the rain deficit. According to Lourenço, the delay of nearly a month is expected to adversely affect paddy yields and should be treated as a natural calamity.
The MLA said he is in regular contact with officials from the Agriculture Department and the Water Resources Department to monitor the situation and coordinate necessary support. He expressed hope that widespread rainfall in the coming days would help farmers recover at least part of the season.
Farmer Valentino Rodrigues said the delayed monsoon has left cultivators worried about the future of their crops, with many anxiously waiting for adequate rainfall to begin sowing and avoid further losses.
