the goan I network
MARGAO
Hit by the stray cattle menace destroying their agricultural and vegetable crops, beleaguered farmers of Davorlim village have good news in store for them.
Under the government’s pilot project, the huge tract of agricultural land, spanning over one lakh square meters, will soon be covered under the common fencing project, expected to benefit around 450-500 farmers.
Local MLA Luizinho Faleiro, who had knocked the doors of the Agriculture department after returning to Navelim in the 2017 election, said the common fencing project, a pilot project in the state of Goa, will soon become a reality at Davorlim.
Under the pilot common fencing project, the Agriculture department will begin fencing of entire fields in a bid to keep the stray cattle at bay. The scheme may cost the exchequer around Rs 8-10 lakh, but it is expected to benefit around 450-500 farmers cultivating vegetable and crops on the land.
Faleiro along with officials of the Agriculture and Water Resources Department inspected the agricultural fields on Wednesday with a view to execute the project at the earliest.
“The officials have assured to start the common fencing project from this week. It will benefit around 450-500 farmers as they used to face the stray cattle menace all these years,” he said.
Faleiro pointed out that the WRD department has already implemented their scheme in the fields by installing a gate along the irrigation canal and by making a way for the farmers to carry their implements and produce.
That’s not all. The Navelim MLA said the Horticulture department will set up an procurement outlet right near the fields to facilitate the farmers to sell their produce. “The farmers will henceforth have an option. They can continue to sell produce in the markets or at their places of business or hand over the produce to the Horticulture Corporation,” he added.
The Navelim MLA also encouraged the farmers to go in for organic farming, reminding them that organic produce may give them better returns given the huge demand for organic products. “We have also drawn up a plan to provide water pumps and water distribution network in the fields. Small wells and water distribution channels will be laid in the fields to ensure the farmers have access to water round the year,” he added.
