SATURDAY, MAY 04, 2024
Team Herald
Goan farmers are facing hardship as the overall yields of cashews and mangoes have comparatively declined by 50% this year. As per the director of the agriculture department, the cashew and mango season is a bit dull this year.
Goa which is known for cashew and mango plantations is facing a steep fall in this year’s harvest. Despite the entire outcome, the Velip families at Morpirla in Quepem are continuing their family tradition of extracting the cashew juice and making the byproducts of Cashews. Despite having secure jobs, these families are still working hard to keep the legacy alive.
While speaking about the market price fluctuation of cashew nut rates, one of the workers Geetanjali Velip said that currently, the rate of the cashew seeds is Rs 111. Last year the rate was around Rs 180 and before that year it was Rs 123.
“ This year the cashew yields are very low. In some places of Goa, few farmers have got excellent yields while most of the farmers have faced a loss. Compared to last year, some of them got 20% less whereas some got 60% less yields. On average, our farmers have faced a 50% loss. Also, the harvest was very late,” said Nevil Alphonso, Director, Directorate of Agriculture Department
When asked about the impact of the recent rainfall that occurred across Goa, the director stated, “The recent shower will not have any effect on the crops as it rained only once. One time rain doesn’t affect the plantation but a continuous rain might pose a threat.”
With a change in the climate and several other natural factors, Goan farmers have experienced relatively a dull season for cashews and mangoes.
