Every year as the pre-monsoon showers begin, farmers begin to prepare their agricultural lands for cultivation. As usual Sangolda farmers tilled their farms and were waiting for the showers to begin. The farmers put in a lot of effort in protecting their seedlings from pigeon attacks. A delayed monsoon ruined their plans and the cycle of farming had to be rescheduled.
So when rain showers hit their lands, the farmers began the process all over again and prepared their fields for sowing the seeds. Monsoon arrived late this year, but when it arrived, the heavy showers accompanied by storms inundated the fields and the crop was submerged for a fortnight. The farmers withstood the losses and sowed the fields once again. This time the sun was shining and the rains were missing.
The peek-a-boo of the rains and the sun has ruined the farming activity in Sangolda. In addition, the construction of the highway has blocked the natural flow of water and leads to inundation during heavy rainfall, and restricts water supply, which usually kept the farms wet ensuring enough water for the crops.
Thus the government has to rethink the developmental activity in Sangolda and mitigate the problems. Failing which, farmers who have been taking up agricultural activity for decades will be forced to give up their traditional occupation and seek alternative employment. And to begin a new life for the farmers, the agricultural lands will be up for grabs.
