The unseasonal October rains have brought distress to Curtorim’s farming community in South Goa. Continuous rainfall over the past few days led to flooding across large stretches of paddy fields, leaving farmers uncertain about their next steps.
Among those severely affected is Milagres Nobel Menezes, a long-time farmer from the region, whose entire paddy crop was destroyed due to unexpected waterlogging.
Heavy Rainfall Brings Unexpected Flooding
The showers, which came after the regular monsoon period, inundated low-lying areas and agricultural lands. Fields that were nearly ready for harvest are now submerged, with many crops damaged beyond recovery. The flooding has also disrupted irrigation channels and soil conditions, affecting both standing crops and future sowing prospects.
Farmers Share Their Plight
Milagres Nobel Menezes described the situation as one of complete loss:
“We had just begun to see our efforts pay off after months of work. The rain came overnight and destroyed everything.”
Other farmers in the region echoed similar concerns, pointing out that unseasonal weather patterns are becoming more frequent and unpredictable, adding to the strain on small-scale cultivators.
Assessment and Relief Measures
Local authorities and agricultural officers have begun ground-level inspections to estimate crop loss. Relief measures are being coordinated to ensure compensation reaches those most affected. The government’s disaster management teams have been alerted to provide support where required, including assessing damage to bunds, irrigation systems, and soil health.
