Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: Continuous torrential rains have severely impacted paddy cultivation across Canacona, leaving large stretches of fields flattened and waterlogged just as farmers prepared for harvest.
In several parts of the taluka, including Agonda and Cotigao, ready-to-harvest crops have been submerged under floodwaters. At Mone in Cotigao, prolonged waterlogging has caused fallen paddy grains to sprout, raising fears of significant yield losses.
“Most of the damage occurred during today’s heavy downpour. Farmers across multiple villages have been affected, though the fallen paddy can still be salvaged if the rains stop for at least three days,” said Canacona Zonal Agricultural Officer Mahendra Pagi.
Three harvesters that were to begin operations in Poinguinim have been delayed due to the inclement weather. Overall, harvesting of nearly 2,500 hectares of kharif paddy has been disrupted by the unseasonal post-monsoon showers.
Unlike other talukas, Canacona farmers usually sow their paddy by late July or even later, with harvesting scheduled for November and December. The crop cycle typically spans between 110 and 150 days.
Meanwhile, Friday’s relentless downpour, accompanied by lightning and thunder, drenched the region throughout the night, adding to farmers’ woes.
Caption: Flooded and flattened paddy fields in Agonda village after heavy rains battered Canacona.
