KRISHI MELA AT CURCHOREM
Quepem farmers get acquainted
with agri schemes, subsidies
THE GOAN Network
CURCHOREM
Agriculture department organised a 'Krishi Mela' for the farmers from Quepem taluka at Curchorem on Monday.
About 600 farmers attended the public meeting, which was organised to provide valuable information regarding subsidies, schemes and to know the agricultural activities in Quepem taluka.
Agresh Shirodkar, assistant agricultural officer Quepem, explained to the farmers about various agricultural schemes, subsidies and new innovations in the field. He also explained about fencing, support price, irrigation infrastructure and farm water management to the farmers.
Dr Ransley Caldeira, veterinary doctor Quepem, explained about the schemes related to cattle like improved variety of breed and poultry farming on local breed. He also encouraged the farmers to take advantage of the schemes from the Animal Husbandry department.
Jaivant Barve, private entrepreneur from Sangli-Maharashtra, spoke about the importance of organic farming and its relevance in today’s agriculture.
Dr Mahajan from Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) informed the locals about the importance of soil testing, soil sampling of the agricultural area.
Orlando Rodrigues, Director of Agriculture department, stated that the government plans to introduce new schemes of hybrid coconut seedlings, which will be given to farmers on subsidy.
“The speciality of these seedlings is that it grows and gets matured within 3-4 years. We will emphasize on promoting coconut toddy in packaged energy drink, which will fetch more income to the local farmers,” he said.
Later, Sanguem MLA Subhash Phaldessai said that water from Selaulim dam should not be wasted.
“It should be used properly for personal consumption and to make barren land cultivable, as Sanguem taluka has more potential to do better in agriculture,” he said and encouraged the local youth to take up agriculture as career option.
“The government has introduced many schemes and subsidies to boost agriculture in the State,” he added.
Agriculture Minister Ramesh Tawadkar said Goa is gradually excelling in agriculture. “This year, the chilly production in Goa was overwhelming so much so that Goa sent its chillies to other neighbouring states. We also plan to export this chilly to middle eastern countries if our cultivation grows,” he added.
Dattatraya Pandit, AAO Quepem, compered the programme, while Chandrahas Dessai, Zonal Agricultural Officer, Quepem, proposed the vote of thanks.
