PANAJI
Urging the youth to take up community farming, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday said Goa is dependent on its neighbouring States for milk, poultry and vegetables.
Addressing the farmers at Krishi Melava organized by Directorate of Agriculture under Soil Health Card Scheme at Ravindra Bhavan, Sankhali on Saturday, the CM urged the youth to look at farming as a profession as it can generate a huge income. The government is ready to support the farmers in every possible way including giving assured price for their produce through Horticulture Corporation, he added.
“The Corporation is ready to give an assured price for the vegetables. This is a benefit which no other State gives. The Corporation also gives priority to the locals' produce,” he said.
However, Sawant said: “Sadly despite the facilities, we have to depend on the neighbouring States. Goa is dependent on other States for milk, poultry and vegetables. We do not even produce 20% of our requirement when crores of square metres of agricultural land remains uncultivated.”
The Chief Minister praised the efforts of a young farmer from Dharbandora, Varad Samant, who he said has made a huge profit through this profession.
“He made a profit of Rs 35 lakh last year. His innovative and creative ideas in the field of agriculture are truly inspiring. Hope we can see many such success stories that will lead us to #SwayampurnaGeom,” the chief minister stated.
Sawant also assured the farmers of resolving their issues one by one.
He further urged the farmers to have the three cards “ Krishi card, Kisan credit card and the Soil Health Card, which will help them to reap the benefits of government schemes.
Speaker Rajesh Patnekar said the governments, both at the Centre and State is sympathetic towards the issues of the farmers.
“We have to commend the farmers for their hard work. They face several problems like natural calamities or vermin, excess rains, but they continue the cultivation,” he said.
Patnekar said farming is a good alternative for the youth as the government cannot give jobs to every person.
Mayem MLA and Horticulture Corporation Chairman Pravin Zantye said the corporation will continue to give priority to local produce.
“We give priority to local farmers and send it to 1,500 outlets throughout Goa. However, we need to enhance the production so that we do not depend for supplies from other States,” he said.
Present on the occasion were Gopal Surlakar, Shankar Chodankar, Mahesh Sawant, all ZP Members, Sanjiv Mayekar, Deputy Director, Agriculture Department and Deelip Paranjape, Project Director.
Earlier Nilima Gawas, Zonal Officer welcomed and briefed about the programme. Ashveta Pal compered and Gauresh Pokle proposed the vote of thanks.
