MARGAO
Fatorda farmers on Wednesday received wells with solar pumps under the Water Resources Department scheme, with the government sanctioning six wells at an estimated cost of Rs 24 lakh.
After launching the project at Agalli-Fatorda in the presence of local MLA Vijai Sardesai, WRD Minister Subhash Shirodkar told the media that the WRD must have funded the construction of around 1,000 wells across the state till date.
Saying it is the responsibility of the WRD to provide water for the farmers for irrigation, the Minister offered to provide additional wells in Fatorda with provision for pump to houses.
Complimenting the farmers of Fatorda for keeping agriculture alive in the municipal area, Shirodkar said he has seen large tracts of agricultural fields lying fallow in the State countryside for want of cultivation.
“I am happy that agricultural fields are being cultivated by the farmers. Farmers from Fatorda should get all help and assistance from the government to keep alive the farming tradition,” he added.
Saying the main goal of the WRD is to provide water to the fields for irrigation, the WRD Minister said no compromise will be made as far as supply of water to the farmers. Shirodkar got a commitment from the contractor to start the work of constructing the wells from Monday and complete the works within two months.
The Fatorda MLA said the objective behind providing the wells is to ensure that the farmers get round the year water for irrigation. “After we make provision for well water to the farmers, our next level is to go organic,” Vijai said.
Sardesai said that Fatorda is a cosmopolitan area having rural and urban characteristics. “Here, you will find the Scheduled Tribe community as well as the Dhangar samaj, the nomadic tribe. Fatorda plays host to all people,” he said, while making a strong case for marketing avenues for the farmers’ produce.
