BOOST TO IRRIGATION: Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira with farmers and local residents after laying the foundation stone for improvement of a tali at Grande Coimavaddo in Aldona.
Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira on Monday cautioned that any collapse of agriculture in Goa would have far-reaching consequences, including economic decline and migration of people from villages to urban areas or outside the State.
Speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the improvement of a tali at Grande Coimavaddo in Aldona constituency, Ferreira underscored the critical role agriculture plays in sustaining Goa’s rural economy.
“Our villages depend on agriculture. If it fails, the village economy will fail and people will migrate to other places,” he said, urging locals to encourage younger generations to take up farming and continue the agricultural legacy.
The MLA lauded the farming community for their resilience and commitment despite mounting challenges.
“I want to thank the farmers. Farming today is not just a means of livelihood but a preservation of our village,” he said, emphasising that agriculture is deeply tied to Goa’s cultural and social fabric.
Reiterating his stand against the conversion of agricultural land, Ferreira expressed concern over the increasing trend of filling fields for construction purposes.
He maintained that protecting farmlands is essential to safeguarding both livelihoods and the identity of Goan villages.
The project, estimated at Rs 18.73 lakh, is expected to benefit local farmers by improving irrigation infrastructure. Ferreira said the initiative aligns with his broader commitment to support farmers and address the issues they face.
He also raised concerns over delays in compensation for crop losses, criticising the Agriculture Department for citing lack of funds and failing to deliver timely assistance to farmers.
He called for more proactive measures to ensure that financial support reaches those affected without delay.
Ferreira acknowledged the support of Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar and officials from the department for facilitating the project.
Local panchayat members and villagers were present at the event.
