MARGAO
Taking cognisance of illegal and unregistered nurseries operating and selling plants from handcarts in Salcete taluka, particularly along the Nuvem–Margao western bypass, GOACAN has called for action against these unauthorised operators.
In a letter to Director of Agriculture Chandrahas Naik Dessai, GOACAN pointed out that these nurseries, which sell both fruit-bearing and flowering plants, pose a problem for consumers who purchase plants from them in good faith.
It may be noted that February 15, 2018, was the deadline for licensed plant nurseries to comply with the conditions listed in the public notice issued by the Directorate of Agriculture on February 1, 2018.
GOACAN further stated that the Directorate of Agriculture has the mandate to shut down all illegal and unregistered nurseries operating in Goa with the assistance of the Revenue Department and the Goa Police.
“It may be noted that inaction by your office against such illegal activities comes within the purview of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Such deficiency in service could eventually force consumers to resort to litigation, which can be avoided if preventive steps are taken in time,” said GOACAN Coordinator Roland Martins.
He urged the Director of Agriculture to immediately seek the assistance of the concerned police stations to act against persons using handcarts to illegally sell plants to consumers.
The NGO also urged the Director to ensure that all nurseries licensed under the Goa Fruit and Ornamental Plant Nurseries (Regulation) Act, 1995, display signboards containing the information specified in the public notice dated February 1, 2018, the GOACAN letter stated.
