Agri department estimates crop losses at Rs 2.5 cr

NT NETWORK

Panaji

Heavy rains in the state followed by floods is expected to hit agriculture production badly with officials of the directorate of agriculture on Tuesday revealing major damage to horticulture crops such as banana and arecanut. 

The paddy crop is also likely to have got damaged but only in the flood-affected talukas.

The department has estimated the total crop losses suffered by farmers in the state at around Rs 2.5 crore.

“Our officers are presently taking stock of the flood impact on farming activities. In Bicholim and Sattari talukas, where sudden floods took place due to the rising water, many of arecanut and banana plantations are damaged. Spices are also grown extensively as an intercrop in these plantations and the spice crop has also suffered,” said S Wagle, deputy director of agriculture.

He said that the department has estimated maximum crop destruction in the four talukas- Bicholim, Sattari, Ponda and Dharbandora. “The flood also affected the paddy crop in Pernem and Bardez talukas,” added the deputy director.

Paddy fields in low-lying areas of Bardez and Pernem got submerged in the floodwaters and consequently the crop was damaged, he said.  The two talukas account for about 25 per cent of the rice grown in the state and have about 5367 hectares and 3562 hectares respectively under paddy cultivation.

 “Around 90 per cent of the transplanting by paddy farmers had taken place for the ongoing kharif season after which the floods occurred. Low-lying areas that got inundated are badly hit,” disclosed Wagle.

He said that the department does not expect major damage to cashew plantations as most of the plantations are in hilly areas. Further farmers in Quepem and Canacona are also likely to be spared of the major impact of the floods.

With rains taking a break this week and two days of dry spell, officials are hoping that the damage to crop is curtailed and does not increase as the rainy season is still continuing.

Taluka-level officers are currently visiting individual farmers to make actual evaluation of the losses. The compensation is to be paid under the Shetkari Aadhar Nidhi scheme of the state government.

 “Officials will make actual assessment of the situation and claims will put up accordingly,” explained Wagle.

Incessant rains lashed the state from July 15 to July 25 causing rivers to be in spate and water to be released from dams. The state government has estimated Rs 500 crore loss from damages related to rain.

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