the goan I network
MARGAO
Tawadkar who was the chief guest was addressing the SHGs of 12 Goan talukas as well as representatives of SHGs from 18 other States in the country in attendance at Goa SARAS 2016-17 organised by Rural Development Agency (RDA) at SGPDA grounds in Margao, which commenced from Thursday and will conclude on November 14.
Even as he reiterated his above mentioned resolve, Tawadkar also touched upon aspects as value addition, marketing efforts and organic farming, and stressed upon the need to encourage and promote the same on a large scale in the State.
Tawadkar said the Goan farmers are now assured of a market for their agricultural and horticultural produce. He also highlighted the need for branding of organic agricultural products for attracting farmers to increase their production of organic produce.
He also informed that the government has introduced drip irrigation, even as he felt agriculture can be strengthened in Salcete.
Earlier, RDA Minister Alina Saldanha claimed the central government sanctions a grant of Rs 35 lakh towards organising SARAS in the State while the State government chips in with the balance amount. She pegged the income earned through the sale of various items as SARAS 2015-16 at Rs 80.7 lakh. Saldanha said more than 1,000 people have gathered for SARAS 2016-17 and expressed confidence that this will lead to rise in income generated through this venture.
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardessai expressed the need for standardised memorabilia of Goan handicrafts while urging the Agriculture Minister to help farmers in digging wells for sourcing water for cultivation.
