BICHOLIM
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced that the forthcoming State Budget will include significant financial allocations for group farming and the broader development of the agriculture sector, underlining the government’s long-term vision for a self-reliant Goa.
Speaking at the launch of the Group Farming Scheme at Surla, Sawant reiterated the state’s ambition to achieve 100 percent self-sufficiency within the next decade. He emphasized that agriculture will play a central role in Goa’s economic future, reducing dependence on tourism and mining.
Highlighting the importance of farmers in the state’s development agenda, the Chief Minister called for a shift toward collective farming and the adoption of modern agricultural practices. He stated that the government aims to transform farmers into entrepreneurs, ensuring higher incomes and long-term financial stability.
Sawant noted that nearly 18,000 hectares of khazan land remain available for cultivation and urged farmers, particularly youth, to bring fallow land back into productive use. He cautioned that leasing agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes would not be permitted. At the same time, he assured landowners that under the group farming model, ownership rights would remain intact, and no land would be forcibly acquired.
Chief Minister stressed the need for sustainable agricultural practices, including organic farming, improved irrigation, mechanization, and the use of modern technology to enhance productivity. He asserted that no cultivable land should remain unused and said that the Agriculture and Irrigation Departments would extend full support to farmers. He also encouraged consumers to prefer fresh, locally grown produce over inferior imports.
Under the integrated farming model, the government plans to promote allied sectors such as dairy, fisheries, poultry, and horticulture, along with multi-cropping systems. Sawant said agriculture should serve as a stable and sustainable source of income, complementing rather than competing with tourism and mining.
He further directed officials from the Agriculture Department and the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) to engage directly with farmers in the field, providing guidance and encouraging innovation. Progressive farmers were felicitated at the event, while Agriculture Director Sandeep Faldesai presented details of ongoing initiatives.
The programme also marked the inauguration of four community farming projects in Sankhali and Bicholim talukas, aimed at reviving fallow land and preserving traditional khazan farming practices.
Under the Community Farming Assistance Scheme, groups of at least ten farmers are eligible for 90 percent financial support for fencing, irrigation, and mechanization. For the financial year 2025–26, a high-level committee has approved subsidies totaling Rs 80.02 lakh for ten such groups across Goa.
The government also announced the ATMA Awards 2025–26 to recognise innovation in agriculture. At the district level, two farmers will receive Rs 25,000 each, while at the taluka level, five farmers per taluka will be awarded Rs 10,000 each for outstanding contributions to agriculture and allied sectors.
