Rains to boost paddy production
PTI, PANAJI | 04 July 2012 23:29 IST
Goa’s Agriculture Department is predicting good paddy production this season as the state has been receiving the continuous rainfall required for its cultivation.
Goa has had rains without a dry patch for the last seven days and the heavy downpour is expected to continue for the next couple of days.
Rainfall crossed the 50-inch mark yesterday, according to the Director of the Indian Meteorological Department – Goa, Mr K.V. Singh.
Paddy cultivation has received good response this year from farmers as the State Government has already announced a minimum support price of Rs 17 a kg, Agriculture Director, Mr Satish Tendulkar, told PTI.
Goa produced a good crop the last two years due to favourable environmental conditions, Mr Tendulkar said, adding that the trend will continue this year too considering the initial signs.
The State produced 110 lakh tonnes of paddy during the last rainy season, with almost 30,000-32,000 hectares of land under cultivation. Around 70,000 farmers are engaged in paddy farming, Mr Tendulkar said.
Parts of taluks such as Sattari, Tiswadi, Bardez, Canacona, Salcette, Sanguem have begun farming along with the onset of the monsoons.
The agriculture officers are already on the field interacting with farmers, providing them the necessary support, Mr Tendulkar said.
