PERNEM
Chaos marred the meeting organised by the agriculture department at the Pernem Zonal Agriculture Office (ZAO) to seek suggestions on the Goa agriculture policy on Monday, as farmers were critical of inadequate arrangements and staged a walkout in protest.
According to sources, the meeting was organised to invite feedback and suggestions from farmers, farmers’ societies, elected representatives and the general public regarding the new agriculture policy.
Over 100 farmers and others went to attend the meeting but were surprised to find that the venue could not accommodate everyone.
The farmers got upset as there were no proper seating arrangements, inadequate sound system and over 50 farmers had to stand outside the venue.
They confronted the officer incharge of the meeting over the inadequate arrangements.
The zonal officials decided to shift the venue to another hall, but a large number of farmers staged a walkout and demanded that the meeting be reconvened on another day.
The department officials, however, changed the venue and continued the meeting. But only a few farmers and people were present to put forth their suggestions.
Officials from the agriculture department said they had organised the venue at the ZAO following the turnout at similar meetings in other places and admitted that the attendance at the meeting in Pernem was greater than expected.
Such meeting are being organised across the State to gather opinions on the agricultural policy.
