MAPUSA
Expressing concerns over the diminishing agricultural activity in Goa, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo emphasized the need to revive farming practices and attract youth towards agriculture.
Lobo highlighted the abundant availability of agricultural land in the State on Tuesday, lamenting the lack of interest among the populace in cultivating these fields.
He noted that while agriculture historically served as the backbone of Goa’s economy, it is now facing a slow decline.
He further attributed this trend to the younger generation’s preference for white-collar jobs over agricultural pursuits.
“Today, we have land with us but there is no one to cultivate them. Agriculture, which was the backbone of the State, is slowly dying. Nowadays, the youth only want white-collared jobs. Nobody wants to cultivate the fields. We need to convince them that agriculture is also a business so that they get attracted to farming,” Lobo said.
The Calangute MLA was addressing a gathering on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Dayanand (Bhausaheb) Bandodkar, the first chief minister of Goa.
Calangute panchayat members and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
The Calangute MLA further elaborated on the government’s intention to introduce an agriculture policy in the State but expressed skepticism about its effectiveness without concurrent efforts to engage the youth in farming.
Lobo stressed the importance of convincing young Goans that agriculture can be a lucrative business opportunity.
The coastal MLA also underscored the waning relevance of tenancy laws, citing the failure of many Goans to leverage these laws in their favor.
“The landlord sells his land along with the mundkar’s (tenanted) space to the outsiders and leaves the country for better prospects. And these outsiders then begin harassing the mundkar (tenant),” he said, while urging the tenants to appropriate their land rights under the tenancy act.
In addition to advocating for agricultural revitalization, Lobo addressed concerns regarding the closure of government primary schools initiated by Bhausaheb.
He emphasized the necessity of educational reforms to persuade parents to enroll their children in these institutions.
Lobo’s remarks underscored the urgent need for comprehensive measures to rejuvenate agricultural practices and enhance the educational sector in Goa.
