Farmers in Vorcottomol, Sanguem, are reeling from heavy agricultural losses after early monsoon rains and delays in water supply from the Salaulim dam canal system led to widespread crop destruction.
The unexpected rains flooded paddy fields, burying newly sprouted rice seeds under layers of mud and water. Farmers also reported that vegetable crops grown alongside the rice fields were severely damaged, with many plants rusting and dying due to prolonged waterlogging.
Veteran farmer Sanjay Mapari described the situation as unprecedented in his years of experience. He had cultivated rice on 5,000 square meters of land, all of which is now lost. Mapari blames the timing mismatch between the early rains and the delayed water release from the Water Resources Department (WRD).
“Had we received water on time, we could have completed our planting before the rains hit. But the delay meant we transplanted seedlings just as the rains began,” Mapari explained.
Now facing a complete crop failure, Mapari is appealing to the government for financial assistance to support his family through this crisis.
The incident underscores the vulnerability of Goan farmers to climate unpredictability and the critical importance of timely irrigation support in agriculture.