PANAJI
The Agriculture department has taken its first steps to tackle the prime reason behind the decline of farming in the State over the years -- economic viability.
On Saturday and Sunday, the department is hosting a buyer-seller meet for agriculture produce, both fresh (raw) as well as value-added products at its Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Margao.
The timing of the event just weeks after harvest of the Kharif crop gains significance. Rice, cereals, pulses, vegetables and fruits will be showcased. Farmers from across South Goa are also expected to exhibit value-added products at some 60 stalls erected by the department.
“By connecting buyers (self-consumption as well as traders) to growers and encouraging long-term direct tie-ups between them, a lot of logistical problems faced in the transition of produce from the farm to shelves in markets will be resolved, thus saving costs,” a top official of the department said.
The meet will also focus on showcasing organic products and on the sidelines of the meet a seminar will be conducted on organic farming, branding and marketing, the digital and e-commerce mode where farmers will get an opportunity to understand these options, he said.
Meanwhile, the department will also organise a similar buyer-seller meet in North Goa at Mapusa in the coming weeks for the benefit of farmers in North Goa.
