PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that Goa has reduced its dependence on imported vegetables by 25% and has begun exporting nearly 10% of its produce, a significant shift driven by local agricultural initiatives and support systems.
Speaking at the State Level Bankers’ Conclave organised today by the Goa State Livelihood Mission, the CM highlighted the transformation in Goa’s agriculture sector over the last five years. “Earlier, we used to import 100% of our vegetables and flowers. Today, we’ve cut imports by 25% and started exporting 10%, especially vegetables,” Sawant said.
Sawant attributed this success to Goa’s growing focus on local cultivation under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the state's Swayampurna Goa mission. The Horticulture Corporation, he said, plays a key role by directly procuring produce from farmers and selling it through horticulture outlets across Goa. “Whatever they grow, we buy. This kind of model is not seen in other states,” he said.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the increasing participation of women in agriculture-related sectors such as floriculture, horticulture, dairy, and fisheries. “In all these sectors, including floriculture, where we once depended fully on imports, we have drastically reduced dependence and started producing at scale. Many women are now leading this change,” he said.
Sawant added that the state is also embracing modern agricultural practices like the use of drones to assist women farmers. “Earlier, it was said Goa’s agricultural output was declining. Today, it is increasing steadily, with innovation and women-led efforts driving this change,” he said.
He urged bankers to extend full support to self-help groups and small entrepreneurs involved in farm and allied activities, stating that agriculture and non-farm rural sectors offer huge potential for growth in Goa, especially considering its tourism-linked markets.
