VASCO
Outgoing Cortalim ZP Member Anton Vas said the State government should settle the compensation of many farmers from Cortalim area which are pending for over a year.
Vas was speaking to reporters after he was felicitated by farmers of Velsao-Pale led by social activist, former panch and head of Velsao Pale Xetkar Association Roquezinho D’Souza for providing free farming machinery and equipment twice a year since the last many years through the Cortalim Farmers Club (CFC).
“In the last seven years, the CFC has not only offered tractors, tilling machines and harvesters, but has also arranged for morgues, ambulance and hearse vans besides carrying out social works.”
“We buy rice, paddy, coconut and cashew seeds, conduct farming programmes and also offer financial assistance. I know the difficulty of a farmer’s life because I have gone into farms with my mother as a child,” said Vas.
“Last year during the Kharif crop, several farmers faced a lot of problems after heavy and unexpected rains destroyed cultivations. The government suggested that farmers apply for compensation and the Agriculture department also gave us forms for grant of relief under the Shetkari Aadhaar Nidhi.”
“It is now one year and despite several enquiries, farmers have not received anything and the department is only saying that applications are being processed. The government must settle these relief compensations at the earliest,” said Vas.
Roquezinho D’Souza said Vas had been providing equipment to farmers without hassles and free of cost not only in Velsao but in entire Cortalim constituency, thereby motivating people to cultivate land.
