Gaushalas sought in all talukas to tackle menace of stray cattle

Ports Minister Michael Lobo inaugurating a free harvester machine in the presence of Verla-Canca Sarpanch Amita Korgoankar at Canca circle on Wednesday. Parra Sarpanch Delilah Lobo and others were also present.

Photo Credits: Agnelo Pereira

MAPUSA

Ports Minister, Michael Lobo on Wednesday said the State government should come out with a comprehensive plan to tackle the stray cattle menace which has become a bane for the farming community and suggested every taluka should have at least one ‘gaushala’ to provide shelter for the stray bovines.

Lobo also said the government should provide subsidised diesel to farmers along the lines of the diesel subsidy provided by the fisheries department.

“The government needs to develop a holistic plan to counter the stray cattle menace. In Calangute constituency, we have transported almost 700 stray cattle to the gaushala in Mayem. Every taluka should have one or two gaushalas where cattle can be provided shelter and fodder,” Lobo said.

He said the government should come out with a solution to tackle the stray cattle menace at the earliest.

The ports minister was addressing a gathering after inaugurating free harvester machines to farmers in Verla-Canca, Parra, Arpora-Nagoa and Calangute.

Continuing, Lobo said farmers would feel the pinch as fuel prices have gone up and suggested subsidising diesel for the farming community who use tractors and tilling machines in their fields.

“Just like the fisheries department is providing subsidy on diesel to fishing vessels, the government can provide subsidy on diesel for the farming community too,” he said.

He also said some farmers in Verla-Canca were misguided that the government was trying to grab their land for road widening works.

“We are not harassing any farmers. We will provide proper access to farmers so that they can enter into their fields and engage in their farming activity. Some political opponents are misguiding the farmers,” he said.

Parra Sarpanch Delilah Lobo also appealed to the government to provide subsidised diesel to farmers.

She said farmers in Parra were getting free harvester machines for the 10th year this year.

Sarpanchas of Verla-Canca, Arpora-Nagoa and Calangute and local farmers were also present for the function.