Salcete ZAO Sheriff Furtado distributing 25 kg of Jyoti variety of paddy seeds to farmers of Shiplear-Cuncolim. Captured by : The Goan
MARGAO
The Zonal Agriculture Office, Salcete has forged a Private-Public Partnership for better farming in the remote Shiplear area of Cuncolim.
The ZAO office, Salcete has started the Rabi farming season by roping in a Cuncolim Industrial Estate-based company, Vedanta Nico, to provide the much-needed support to the local farmers in terms of farm inputs. ZAO Sheriff Furtado informed that the farming community of Cuncolim cultivated two crops a year, but due to the limitations of the farmers in getting farm inputs, the private company was roped in to provide the farm inputs.
He said Vedanta Nico, Cuncolim, has taken a proactive step in supporting local farmers from Cuncolim village, with over 80 farmers benefiting from the initiative. “The company extended its support by providing 25 kg of Jyoti variety of paddy seeds to each farmer free of cost through their CSR funds. This variety has a duration of 110 days which will help in overcoming limitations of irrigation network in the locality," Furtado said.
He also requested Nicu Dcunha, the field officer of the company, to explore the possibility of erecting a strong fence to protect the farmers' crops from stray cattle and other animals. “If such a facility is provided, then an additional five hectares of land could be brought under cultivation with profitable vegetable cultivation outshining the rest,” Furtado said.
He added: “In the region, farmers predominantly cultivate paddy in Kharif season and lesser duration of paddy with Jyoti variety seeds in their fields. As these hardworking farmers gear up for the Rabi season, Vedanta has stepped in to offer support and encouragement, aiming to uphold and promote this traditional occupation.”
The distribution of seeds took place in the presence of key figures, including Ajay Gaonkar, Assistant Technology Manager, Roma Shet Shirodkar, Assistant Agriculture Officer, Rupa Gaonkar, Ward Councillor, Ashok Kharbe, CHRO, Niku Dcunha, CSR Incharge at Simpler, Dilip Raut, HSE Head, A Vivekanth, CSO, and Gauresh Dessai, social worker.
During the event, the Zonal Agriculture Officer briefed the farmers on various schemes offered by the Government of Goa, outlining the application process for the same. He urged the farmers to actively apply for krishi cards and explained schemes related to community farming, insurance for coconut pluckers, and marigold cultivation, among others. The officer also took a moment to express appreciation for Vedanta Nico for taking the lead in this impactful initiative.
