MARGAO:Farmers from Chinchinim have appealed to the State government to provide them with the necessary support in protecting their fields which are getting damaged due to saline intrusion.
The farmers, who had gathered at the site on Sunday, explained how their fields have been suffering due to the saltwater contamination and how this has dealt a blow not only to the existing farmers but also those who may have wanted to take up farming. Concerns were also raised about the increasing presence of mangroves, which has caused more such saline intrusion problems.
Farmers like Inacio Antao also felt the need of the hour was to thoroughly repair the bundh, which would help plug the gaps through which the salt water is entering their fields, and also provide a long-term solution. Even the local fishermen were complaining about the conditions not being ideal for catching fish. They explained that whenever the salinity levels increase, the amount of dissolved oxygen decreases and thus the authorities should also consider pumping oxygen into the water at night.
There were also calls for the collection of salt, during a specific period where it is conducive to do so and how this could be sold at the markets and branded too. Chinchinim panch Frank Viegas also urged the government to look into this matter at the earliest. He added that when there are so many resources already available in the village, care should be taken to see that they are put to use so that the village can benefit and become self-dependent.
He added that he would follow up on this matter.
