Goa, July 17 -- Farmers across South Goa are facing a challenging agricultural season as inadequate rainfall and delayed monsoon showers have disrupted the annual paddy cultivation cycle, leaving many fields uncultivated even by mid-July.

Paddy cultivation, which typically begins in June, has been delayed across several parts of the district due to the lack of sufficient rainfall. The prolonged dry spell has prevented many farmers from preparing and sowing their fields, raising fears of reduced crop production this season.

Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco described the situation as "very scary," stating that many farmers have been unable to begin cultivation despite the monsoon being well underway.

He said only fields located close to r...