BICHOLIM
Stating that Agro Clinics would be set up in the State, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said the Swayampurna Goa initiative has led to a 30% reduction in horticultural imports while significantly increasing the income of Goan farmers.
He stated this after inaugurating the two-day Buyer-Seller Meet 2025 organised by the Directorate of Agriculture in association with the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (North) and the Zonal Agriculture Office, Sankhali.
“We are pleased to introduce the Agro Clinic Concept in Goa. I encourage students from Agriculture and allied faculties to participate in the 45-day training programme and establish their own Agro Clinics to support and assist our farmers,” said Sawant.
“The Goa Government is actively strengthening the agricultural sector through initiatives such as PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies) and FPOs (Farmer Producer Organisations). Starting this year, we will also procure organic manure and provide it to farmers at subsidised rates.”
He said the State government remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering farmers, providing training, ensuring fair pricing for their produce and facilitating technological advancements.
“The Swayampurna Goa initiative has led to a 30% reduction in horticultural imports while significantly increasing the income of Goan farmers,” said the chief minister.
“To further strengthen organic farming in the State, we will implement an Rs 18 crore project with the support of the Union Government. I urge all farmers to take full advantage of the various schemes and subsidies offered by both the Union and State Governments to boost agricultural and horticultural production. Together, let us realize our vision of a Swayampurna and Viksit Goa.
The chief minister added that if Devasthan Samitis and the Comunidades make their lands available for agricultural development, the government will be committed to making all efforts to ensure that these lands are utilised in the best possible way for group farming.
The Chief Minister informed that women's Self-Help Groups in the State are generating a turnover of Rs 300 crore annually and henceforth, special measures will be taken to promote cooperative multipurpose institutions in the agricultural sector as well.
On the occasion, the chief minister also released the documentary ‘Mati Boltil Tewhach Sheti Fultil’, produced by the Department of Agriculture, highlighting the importance of soil testing.
Mayem MLA Premendra Shet, Director of Agriculture Sandeep Phal Dessai and other officials were present at the Buyer-Seller Meet.
Director of Agriculture Sandeep Phal Dessai explained the purpose of the Buyer-Seller Meet and provided details on various schemes for farming. MLA Premendra Shet also spoke on the occasion.
Later, the chief minister visited the different stalls and interacted with the vendors.
