THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO
With Mopa airport set to take off from the New Year, local farmers cooperative societies too seemed bracing up to take advantage of the new airport.
The Adarsh Krishi Kharedi Vikri Prakriya Sahakari Saunstha, Balli-Quepem is planning to go big in the coming year, with plans in place to set up a Pack House in and around Mopa airport. The society has unveiled plans to go into the production and marketing of Jyoti rice, coconut oil and cashew feni not just for the domestic market, but for the global market as well via Mopa.
Adarsh Society Chairman Prakash Velip pointed out that the Quepem-based cooperative society has been in existence in the cooperative field for the last 30 years, giving marketing avenues for the farmers spread across the State's countryside and boot their income from agriculture.
“I am proud to say that Adarsh society completes 30 years on January 1, 2023. We have achieved a lot in the field of agriculture and horticulture, credit, insurance, education and the service sector,” he said.
He added: “We plan to take the society forward in the coming year with forays in the production and marketing of rice, oil and feni, which has vast export potential. This will further give a boost to agriculture in the State and bring the younger generation back to agriculture.”
That the society means business is evident by the fact that a delegation led by Prakash had recently visited Vashi in Mumbai to have a look at a Pack House to set up a similar facility back in Goa. “We are very much impressed by the Pack House facility at Vashi-Mumbai. A similar facility in Goa, close to the Mopa international airport could give a big boost to local farmers and export of agricultural products from the State,” he added.
Outlining its plan for the coming financial year, Prakash said the society will go for bottling of cashew feni and market rice and oil. “We know we will have to contend with well-established competitors in the oil business, but we are confident to start in a small way initially, before going big,” he said.
As far as marketing of rice is concerned, Prakash said the society will take up marketing of Jyoti rice, which is currently in demand.
Saying the society has established itself in the cooperative sector, he said the society has gone into organic cashew, with around 3,586 members, with the project spread across 94 villages. The total area under organic cashew cultivation in the State is now pegged at around 8,365 hectares, with around 24.25 lakh cashew trees.
