Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Nov 5: The unseasonal rains that battered Goa in the last two weeks of October have left the State’s fishing sector in turmoil, forcing hundreds of fishermen and labourers out of work for nearly a fortnight. Along with damaging standing paddy crops, the heavy downpour and rough seas brought fishing operations to a complete halt.

With persistent rain and turbulent waters, most trawlers and canoes remained anchored along the coast, paralysing activities at major jetties such as Chapora, Vasco and Cutbona.

“The unexpected rains cost us dearly. Our business was hit badly, and we incurred losses as we couldn’t carry out fishing activities for almost 10 to 12 days,” said Jose Philip D’Souza, President of the All Goa Fishing Boat Owners Association (AGFBOA). He added that even as boats stayed docked, owners continued to pay wages to crew members, deepening financial strain.

“It was an unfortunate natural event, but the fishing community had to bear the brunt. We were left with no income while expenses continued,” he said.

Balbhim Malvankar, a member of the Chapora Boat Owners Fisheries Cooperative Society, said the late October rains had particularly hit small-scale operators. “The sea was too rough for smaller boats to venture out. If there is no catch, there is no income – and this continued for several days. It badly affected our prospects for the season,” Malvankar said.

Adding to their frustration, fishermen allege that while farmers received swift compensation for crop losses, the fishing community has been ignored. “There has been absolutely no help for the fishermen from the government. The Fisheries Department has failed to address our concerns,” said D’Souza, who revealed that nearly Rs 30 crore in reimbursement under various subsidy schemes remains pending.

“We have met Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Fisheries Minister Nilkant Halarnkar several times, but nothing has materialised. The government seems indifferent to our plight,” he added.

Expressing disappointment, Malvankar said, “The government’s focus appears to be on casinos and tourism. They are not bothered about the livelihood of the fishing community, which has sustained the coastal economy for generations.”

Fishermen groups have now urged the government to provide immediate financial aid and expedite pending payments. They have also demanded the creation of a dedicated disaster relief mechanism for the fishing sector, similar to the one in place for farmers.
“Fishing is our only source of income. When the weather turns against us, we have no safety net. The government needs to recognise this and support us the way it supports other sectors,” said a trawler owner from Vasco.

With erratic weather patterns becoming more frequent due to climate change, the fishing community fears that such interruptions could become a regular threat. “If the authorities don’t plan relief measures now, we’ll be left struggling every time the rains come unexpectedly,” Malvankar warned.