PONDA
In an apparent jibe at opposition parties and individuals agitating for the coconut tree, MP Adv Narendra Sawaikar on Sunday said even cashew plantation gives good production in Goa and hence the agitators should start ‘Chipko’ agitation, as it (cashew tree) dies due to trunk boring insect.
Sawaikar was speaking at Krishi Melava organised jointly by Agriculture department, Tribal Welfare department, Animal Husbandry and Kalyan Ashram-Goa. The one-day melava was organised at Sports Complex ground, Ponda. Agriculture Minister Ramesh Tawadkar, Social Welfare Minister Mahadev Naik, Agriculture director Ulhas Kakode, Tribal Welfare director Sandhya Kamat, director of Animal Husbandry Dr Santosh Desai, zonal agriculture officer Nagesh Komarpanth, Ankush Gaonkar of Kalyan Ashram and others were present.
Speaking further, Sawaikar said he feels sorry for those who never ventured into agricultural activities, but they are misguiding the people over definition of coconut palm.
“Cashew plantation gives best production and it supports the economy, but sometimes it dies of insects. During such situation, it becomes easy for farmers to cut down the tree as it is not described as tree in the act,” he justified the amendment by the government.
Sawaikar was referring to the recent amendment to protection of trees act to formally de-recognising coconut palm as tree.
He said the agitators misguiding the people of Goa, should start ‘Chipko’ agitation for cashew plantation also.
Sawaikar said agricultural activities has preserved environment of Goa and youth should be encouraged in this area.
Speaking on the occasion, Tawadkar said there is need of comprehensive work in the field of agriculture. “People had shifted to mining business from agriculture. After the suspension of mining, they are slowly coming back to agriculture. Furthermore, we have to bring back our youth to agriculture which can ensure jobs in coming years,” Tawadkar said.
“New generation is not venturing into agriculture. We have to encourage them and government is committed to it,” he said.
Mahadev Naik said the government spends Rs 800 crore on various schemes and every house has benefitted.
