The Bicholim Mamlatdar and a team of officials recently visited Amona-Bicholim, after saline water entered a large tract of fields in Amona following damages to the Khazan bandhs. Five different Khazan associations in the area submitted a memorandum to the State government, highlighting the plight of over 500 farmers who have been hit by losses.
Taking note of the issue, Bicholim Mamlatdar Gurudas Desai along with officials of WRD, soil conservation, collectorate and circle inspector inspected the site at which around 100 farmers, including presidents of all five Khazan associations, were present.
After inspecting the area, Desai felt the need to construct a concrete bandh with the help of WRD, to avoid regular erosion of the mud bandh and to safeguard about 200 hectares of agricultural land in Amona village.
Soil Conservator Officer Sudesh Gaonkar informed that an estimate of around Rs 9 crore has been prepared to repair the existing bandh.
Agriculture Officer Pradeep Malik, WRD Engineer P V Sreekumar as well as Yogesh Gawade, Suresh Gaonkar and Krishna Gaonkar from the soil conservation department, were involved in the discussions with farmers. PI Rupen Shetgaonakar and a police team were also present to ensure law and order at the site.
Mindful that hundreds of affected farmers would be unable to undertake further farming activities, the Bicholim Mamlatdar has instructed the WRD officials to complete the work on or before monsoons in order to safeguard this rich agricultural belt, which provides good quality of rice.
The Amona Khajan area is full of fields which produce quality rice locally known a Shiddi, which is very good to control diabetes said Jayavant Parab, a farmer from Amona .
“We need to protect this culture of farming in khajan area and government should take urgent steps to repairs these bandhs and protect our farmers to produce quality rice,” Gajanan Gawas, from Durgawada Amona said.
Local MLA Dr Pramod Sawant said that he has taken the initiative to solve the problem of these 600 farmers who every year work hard to take up rice production in khajans. Already work has stated to repair the bandhs and concrete protection will be provided to the bandh.
Meanwhile Bicholim Mamlatdar has taken keen interest in solving the problem of farmers and already directed the concerned authorities to start the work on war footing.
Viswabar Gawas a farmer said, every year government should inspect the sites of Khajan area to see the bandhs and field area is well protected for rice farming. However there is lethargic approach from some officials towards the farmers and this should be stopped to improve the yield.
