Goa’s agriculture is largely dependent on rain-fed irrigation. This is because the state receives an average annual rainfall of 3,000 mm, which is more than enough to support agriculture. However, the state also experiences a long dry season from December to May, during which time there is little or no rainfall. This can lead to crop failures and water shortages.
In order to mitigate the effects of the dry season, the government of Goa has implemented a number of measures, including the construction of dams and reservoirs, the development of groundwater resources, and the promotion of drip irrigation. These measures have helped to improve the efficiency of water use in agriculture and have reduced the risk of crop failures.
However, there are still a number of challenges that need to be addressed in order to make Goa’s agriculture more sustainable. These include the need to improve the efficiency of water use, the need to reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and the need to promote the cultivation of drought-tolerant crops.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- Rain-fed irrigation: This is a type of irrigation that relies on natural rainfall to water crops. It is the most common type of irrigation in Goa, accounting for over 80% of the state’s irrigated area. Rain-fed irrigation is a low-cost and sustainable method of irrigation, but it is also a risky one, as crops are at the mercy of the weather.
- Canal irrigation: This is a type of irrigation that uses canals to transport water from a source, such as a river or a dam, to fields. Canal irrigation is a more efficient method of irrigation than rain-fed irrigation, but it is also more expensive to construct and maintain.
- Borewells: This is a type of irrigation that uses borewells to extract groundwater. Borewells are a relatively inexpensive way to irrigate crops, but they can be expensive to operate and maintain, and they can also have a negative impact on the environment.
- Drip irrigation: This is a type of irrigation that delivers water directly to the roots of plants. Drip irrigation is a very efficient method of irrigation, and it can save water and fertilizer. However, it is also a more expensive method of irrigation than other methods.