MAPUSA
Calangute MLA Michael Lobo has appealed to the locals to take up farming and adopt latest farm technologies to reduce expenditure and make it a profitable venture.
Lobo also stressed the need to bring more areas under cultivation so that the past glory is restored.
“A lot of farmers used to cultivate their fields in the past which is not happening in the present age. Even the children of these farmers are not interested in farming. We need to restore the past glory by bringing more areas under cultivation. We will offer help in every possible way to all those who show interest in farming,” Lobo said.
The Calangute MLA was addressing a gathering while inaugurating two harvesting machines in the villages of Arpora-Nagoa and Calangute.
Arpora-Nagoa Sarpanch Roshan Redkar and Calangute Deputy Sarpanch Geeta Parab, panchayat members and locals were also present.
Continuing, Lobo said it was good the children of the farmers were progressing and getting involved in other avenues such as hotel business and other allied tourism activities.
“But we should not neglect farming. Apora-Nagoa was doing better than Parra in the past but that has changed as people were giving up farming. We need to restore the past glory and at least get it back to 50 percent of what it was in the past,” he said.
He urged the farmers to use the latest technologies in farming to reap a rich harvest and make agriculture a profitable business.
According to Arpora-Nagoa Sarpanch Roshah Redkar, ward members supplied seeds and other facilities to farmers in order to encourage them to get into farming.
“Farmers should come forward and cultivate the fields instead of keeping the land fallow. The panchayat members and the local MLA are ready to help the farmers in all possible ways,” Redkar said.
He also urged the farmers to get into organic farming so that people get an opportunity to buy healthy products. Some farmers also spoke on the occasion.
