Team Herald
MARGAO: An unexpected spell of heavy pre-monsoon rain at the end of May has wreaked havoc across South Goa’s paddy fields, causing severe losses for farmers in several talukas. Villages like Velim, Assolda, Chandor, Sanguem, Quepem, and Canacona have been among the worst
affected.
In Velim, local farmer Guirdolina Fernandes reported losses exceeding Rs 28,000 across two fields, even before the planting season could begin. Despite multiple reminders to the authorities and panchayat about the urgent need for bund repairs before the rains, no action was taken, she said. Her elderly mother, who still works in the fields, was heartbroken by the destruction. The agriculture department has made promises of assistance, but little has materialised.
Farmers in Assolda-Chandor who had opted for early sowing to avoid the June monsoon found themselves unprepared for premature rainfall. Xavier Fernandes, who farms with his uncle Rosario, estimated their losses at Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000. According to Xavier, premature rainfall damages mature rice grains by causing sprouting, discolouration and a severe drop in yield — a nightmare for any farmer. Others in the area are facing similar losses.
The widespread nature of the problem has prompted the agriculture department to begin special surveys to assess the scale of damage across South Goa. According to department sources, areas in Sanguem, Quepem and Canacona talukas were among the worst affected, with around 10 hectares of farmland submerged. Officials have warned that prolonged rain could cause irreversible crop damage, increasing the financial burden on cultivators.
In Salcete, although many farmers had completed harvesting before the rains, fields where sowing was delayed — particularly in Chandor — remains waterlogged.
Government officials have estimated around 10 to 15 hectares in the region were still submerged. Velim, known for its rice cultivation, also experienced flooding, but officials said prior preparations for the upcoming kharif season had helped mitigate the worst of the damage.
The forecast of more rain in the coming days has further unsettled the farming community, though some experts believe the softened soil might aid ploughing for the next sowing cycle. But for those already affected, the immediate concern is compensation and relief. Goyche Fuddle Pillge Khatir (GFPK), a local organisation working closely with farming communities, has raised alarm over the vulnerability of small and marginalised farmers in the face of climate unpredictability. The group pointed out that while many government schemes claim to support agriculture, the benefits often bypass the most affected and reach only the influential.
GFPK President Jack Mascarenhas said it has submitted detailed suggestions to the agriculture minister while working with gram sabhas to ensure that farmers’ voices are heard in shaping the state’s draft agriculture policy. Their efforts include pushing for organic farming, better water infrastructure, and land-use regulation, alongside calls for integrating dairy, poultry, and livestock with crop cultivation.
The organisation has appealed to the government to act swiftly, not only to compensate affected farmers like Xavier and Guirdolina but also to ensure that future losses are minimised through timely interventions, transparent policies, and localised planning. With climate change making weather patterns more erratic, the resilience of Goa’s agrarian communities hinges on proactive governance and genuine support.