Highlights rise in local cultivation, women’s role and export gains
PANAJI
Goa has achieved a major milestone by cutting vegetable imports by 25 per cent due to a sharp rise in local farming, while also exporting nearly 10 per cent of its produce.
At the State Level Bankers’ Conclave organised by the Goa State Livelihood Mission (GSRLM), Chief Minister Pramod Sawant spoke about the changes in Goa’s agriculture over the last five years.
“Earlier, we used to import 100 per cent of our vegetables and flowers. Today, we’ve cut imports by 25 per cent and started exporting 10 per cent, especially vegetables,” he said.
Sawant credited this success to Goa’s push for local cultivation under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and the State’s Swayampurna Goa mission. He noted that the Horticulture Corporation plays an important role by buying produce directly from farmers and selling it through its outlets.
“Whatever they grow, we buy. This kind of model is not seen in other states,” he said.
The Chief Minister also noted that more women are taking part in sectors like floriculture, horticulture, dairy, and fisheries.
“In all these sectors, including floriculture, where we once depended fully on imports, we have drastically reduced dependence and started producing at scale. Many women are now leading this change,” he said.
Sawant added that Goa is using modern farming methods like drones to support women farmers. “Earlier, it was said Goa’s agricultural output was declining. Today, it is increasing steadily, with innovation and women-led efforts driving this change,” he said.
He urged banks to support self-help groups and small entrepreneurs in agriculture and related activities, saying that these sectors have great growth potential in Goa, especially with its tourism-linked markets.
Sawant also shared that under GSRLM, 3,250 self-help groups have been formed, with over Rs 365 crore in bank linkages, Rs 2,484 crore in community investments, and a monthly turnover of over Rs 13 lakh from 170 Annapurna SHGs.
