Weekly rainfall for crop planning in northern coastal region of Goa.

Abstract

Precipitation is one of the most important factors deciding success of rainfed agriculture of the particular agroecological region. Total amount of rainfall and its distribution largely affect the crop growth. Seventy per cent rainfall occurs during the monsoon period, out of this crops use only small amount and its large portion ends as surface runoff. Detailed knowledge of the rainfall pattern helps in planning crop calendar and designing of different structures for flood control and for designing storage capacity of reservoirs to meet out the irrigation requirement during drought periods. Coastal region of North Goa district is receiving annual rainfall of 2892 mm. Out of that 95% of rainfall is distributed over four months period from june to september in 122 rainfall events. Though, the coastal region of North Goa receive higher rainfall, still many places experiences severe water scarcity during summer month as the maximum amount of rainfall is received during monsoon period (June to september). As a result of this, moisture stress and drought, are adversely affected the productivity of horticultural crops like cashew, mango, arecanut, coconut, etc...