Saligao/Aldona, October 31:
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Goa has criticised the BJP-led state government for its failure to address the plight of farmers whose paddy fields have been severely damaged by recent unseasonal rains. AAP Vice President Chetan Kamatand leader John Fernandes on Thursday visited several flood-affected areas in Saligao and Aldona, where farmers are reeling under heavy crop losses and waterlogging.
The leaders observed that large stretches of farmland remain submerged in knee-deep water, with no visits yet from agriculture officers to assess the damage.
Speaking to reporters, Chetan Kamat said,
“Farmers are in a helpless state — their eyes swell up when they talk about their losses. Mere announcements won’t work; the Chief Minister must wake up and take urgent action. This is the second consecutive year of devastation, and the compensation of ₹40,000 per hectare is far too little to cover actual losses. Farmers need genuine relief, not token sympathy.”
He further accused the Saligao MLA of neglecting local farmers, claiming he is more focused on “PR events than on ground realities.”
John Fernandes expressed disappointment over the inaction of government officials, saying,
“Officers haven’t even visited the fields yet. How long will the farmers wait for compensation? The government must issue strict directions to the Agriculture Department and expedite the relief process. These people’s livelihoods depend on it.”
The AAP team demanded that the government deploy agriculture officers immediately to assess crop losses across all affected panchayats, increase compensation beyond ₹40,000 per hectare, and release relief funds within 30 days to ensure timely support.
Kamat concluded by reaffirming AAP’s commitment to Goa’s farmers:
“Farmers are the backbone of Goa’s food security. The government’s apathy is breaking their spirit. AAP stands firmly with the farming community and will continue to fight until every farmer receives fair and timely compensation.”
