MAPUSA: Claiming that Goa’s climate was very suitable for Moong and Udit crop, NABARD Assistant General Manager T Geeta has appealed to farmers to grow these crops in the State.
“Today, prices of almost all dals have crossed the Rs 200 mark in the country. Goa’s climate is excellent for the production of Moong and Udit. Our farmers should focus their energy to raise such crops which will fetch an excellent price,” Geeta said.
The NABARD manager was speaking at a farmer’s convention held at Aldona Parish Centre hall on Friday.
She said most farmers depended on the government for seeds and suggested to break free to be self-reliant.
“Develop your own seed farm. Give up depending everything on the government,” the NABARD manager advised the farmers.
There are 97 farmer’s clubs in the State, but very few of them have been working effectively.
In spite of getting abundant rain during the monsoons, there’s barely enough water for irrigation to raise a second crop in the State.
“The farmers should remain united. Take the help of the Water Resources Department and devise ways to conserve water and utilize it for future needs. Farmers should develop their own irrigation system,” Geeta averred.
The president of the Farmer’s Club of Nachinola, Vital Naik listed various problems faced by the farming community.
“We have to undertake a lot of paper work to avail various government schemes. It’s very depressing while carrying out the paper work,” Naik said.
Many times the seeds supplied by the zonal agricultural department is defective, he said further.
“At many places, the fields have turned into a lover’s point and place for partying,” he said and disclosed how they have come across broken beer bottles in the fields.
Chairperson of the State Horticulture Corporation Ltd and Tivim MLA Kiran Kandolkar and Goa Housing Board Chairman and Aldona MLA Glen Ticlo were also present at the convention.
North Goa Zonal Agriculture Officer, Anil Noronha, Nachinola Sarpanch, Govind Govekar, Moira Sarpanch, Santosh Chari and Aldona Deputy Sarpanch, Charudatta Panjikar were also present.
