PANAJI: Heavy rainfall, deficiency of micro-nutrients in the soil, especially zinc, and some other factors have led to a decline in Goa's food production, according to experts and agriculturists.
At least 21% of soil in Goa is affected by shortfall of zinc and 5% of boron, as per a survey done by National bureau of soil survey and land use planning, Nagpur, some time back. The survey had identified 32 soil series with medium to high potential, especially Batim and Calangute for rice cultivation and medium production in Chapora, Gudi in Salcete and Carvem in Quepem. "The soil series found Verna, Velguem, Torcem and Raia among soils with low productivity," sources said.
"Though they are micro-nutrients, they are a major factor in reducing production," S S P Tendulkar, agriculture director said. H M Wasnik, senior soil scientist, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Old Goa, explained further, "The deficiency, especially of zinc and boron, occurs in soils in some places, but not in all crops."
If the content of zinc is less than .5 particles per matter, it is regarded as deficient. The state government has appointed a committee headed by secretary agriculture and comprising Wasnik and others as members to look into problem.
One of the general causes of soil deficiency is washing off the top soil during monsoon, resulting in leaching of all nutrients, including macro ones such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potash. "From the chemical point of view, the soil in Goa has become acidic due to heavy rain," Wasnik said, explaining that if the PH of the soil is 7, it is considered neutral, which is an ideal condition, but if it is below that norm, then it is acidic. However, the organic carbon content is sufficient. Tendulkar further explained, "In some places, the soil is also deficient in magnesium while iron is also present in some other areas, though not necessarily mining areas."
Another problem being faced by farmers, especially in khazan lands, is salinity caused by tidal fluctuations in flood plains. This affects around 18,000 hectares of Goa's cultivable area. "Korgutt variety of paddy is ideal for such conditions while ICAR has also promoted CSR 10 and 27 varieties for such soil conditions," Wasnik said.
The deficiency is made up by adding nutrients to the soil - organic or inorganic manure. Experts feel that organic farming is advisable to increase its productivity. "Using zinc sulphate or organic manure or even vermi-compost can help," Wasnik said. Agreed Miguel Braganza, additional director, Organic farming association of India ( OFAI), "Organic practices like use of effective micro-organisms and even green manure is much more beneficial." Explaining further, he said the quality of the soil and food may deteriorate through use of inorganic manure. "Sometimes more nitrogen may be applied through urea, and it may cause nitrate problem in future and also slowly release trace elements in the soil," he said. "Hence, it is now a trend to grow food organically and people also prefer food grown this way," he explained. "Surveys have been carried out in the past, but no corrective action has been taken on these reports to remedy the nutrient deficiencies and other issues pointed out," Braganza said.
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