Team Herald
MARGAO: Nearly 30 hectares of paddy fields in Salcete have been reportedly damaged due to rains; as a result the several farmers have suffered huge losses.
Farmers from Verna, Curtorim and Cansaulim besides several other places complained of suffering losses due to the rains.
“Yes, we were yet to harvest the paddy cultivation but the sudden and heavy rains have damaged our crops. Many other farmers from Salcete have also suffered losses”, said a farmer from Verna.
Shariff Furtado, Zonal Officer, South Goa Agriculture Department confirmed the losses suffered by farmers due to rains.
He said his office has received claims from Verna, Cansaulim and Curtorim, besides other areas about the damage to crops.
“We have inspected a few areas and nearly three hectares of paddy fields have been damaged. There are also reports that crops which were harvested and kept in the fields got damaged. After harvest, grains damaged by rain are not eligible for compensation
Only standing crop is eligible for compensation”, he said. The zonal officer appealed to the farmers to apply for compensation at the earliest.
There are reports from other parts of Salcete of the damage to crops due to the rains. The farmers hope that the Agriculture Department will help them by compensating for the losses.
