Paddy harvesting likely to hit due to harvesters’ absence

Team Herald

PANJIM: The paddy production in the State is likely to be hit as the farmers are not in position to deploy the combined harvesters in absence of the operators, who are from the neighbouring States and are unable to travel due to the ongoing nationwide lockdown, imposed in view of COVID-19 outbreak across the country.

During a video conferencing held with Union Minister for Agriculture Narendra Singh Tomar, the State government has hinted at providing support to the farmers, in form of compensation towards loss of their crops. The urgent meeting was convened by the Union Minister to discuss the effect of lockdown on the agriculture sector and farmers in large.

Speaking to media persons post meeting, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Agriculture Chandrakant Kavlekar said that paddy is ready for harvesting but government cannot deploy combined harvesters as per the requirement.

“The reason is that the operators trained to operate these machines are from the neighbouring States and due to the ongoing lockdown getting them back to Goa is an issue. Considering the pandemic in the neighbouring States, we cannot take risk and seek for relaxation,” he said.

He said, “Considering the situation, it is most likely that the farmers will be affected severely.  So, Central government must be ready to compensate the farmers on a case to case basis,” Kavlekar said. Deputy Chief Minister also said that the lockdown has affected floriculture too. 

“The flowers like Gerbera which locals used to grow in their polyhouses, were exported. The same has been stalled,” he said.

Deputy Chief Minister has issued directions to the Agriculture Department to conduct preliminary assessment of total loss and submit a report.