CM Urges Youth to Take Community Farming

Goa does not even produce 20 p.c of its agricultural requirements

Panaji, February 06, 2021
Magha 17 , 1942

Urging the youth to take up community farming, Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant on Saturday said Goa is dependent on its neighboring states for milk, poultry and vegetables.

Addressing the farmers at Krishi Melava, in Ravindra Bhavan, Sanquelim organized by Directorate of Agriculture under Soil Health Card Scheme at Ravindra Bhavan, Sankhali today, Chief Minister urged the youths to look at farming as a profession as it can generate huge income. The government is ready to support the farmers in every possible way including giving assured price for their produce through Horticulture Corporation, he added.

“The Corporation is ready to give assured price for the vegetables. This is a benefit which no other State gives. The corporation also gives priority to the locals produce,” he said.

Dr Sawant, however said, “sadly despite the facilities we have to depend on the neighboring states. Goa is dependent on its other states for milk, poultry and vegetables. We do not produce 20 p.c of our requirement when crores of square meters of agricultural land remain uncultivated.”

The Chief Minister praised the efforts of young farmer from Dharbandora, Varad Samant, who he said has made huge profit through this profession.“He made a profit Rs 35 lakh last year. His innovative and creative ideas in the field of agriculture are truly inspiring. Hope we can see many such success stories that will lead us to #SwayampurnaGeom,” the chief minister stated.Dr Sawant also assured the famers to resolve their issues one by one.

He further urged the farmers to have the three cards – Krishi card, Kisan credit card and the Soil Health Card, which will help them to reap the benefits of Government schemes.

Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly, Shri Rajesh Patnekar said the Governments, both at Centre and State is sympathetic towards the issues of the farmers.

“We have to commend the farmers for their hard work, they face several problems like natural calamities or vermin animals, excess rains etc but they still continue cultivation,” he said.

Shri Patnekar said farming is a good alternative for youth as government cannot give employment to each and every person.

Mayem MLA and Horticulture Corporation Chairman Shri Pravin Zantye said the Corporation will continue to give priority to local produce.

“We give priority to local farmers and send it to 1500 outlets throughout Goa. However, we need to enhance the production so that we do not depend for supplies from other States,” he said.

Present on the occasion were Shri Gopal Surlakar, Shri Shankar Chodankar,  Shri Mahesh Sawant, all ZP Members, Shri Sanjiv Mayekar, Deputy Director, Agriculture Department and Shri Deelip Paranjape, Project Director.

Earlier Smt. Nilima Gawas, Zonal Officer welcomed and briefed about the programe. Smt Ashveta Pal compered and Shri Gauresh Pokle proposed the vote of thanks.

DI/NB/AXP/SAG/2021/1040