the goan I network
PANAJI
In 2013-14, the total area under paddy cultivation was 42,820 hectares which decreased to 41,920 hectares in 2014-15 and further decreased to 41,344 in 2015-16.
The State Government, in its budget for 2016-17 has announced that the support price for paddy will be increased to Rs 20 per kilo and Rs 25 crore has been allocated for the same.
Informing the State Legislative Assembly through a written reply, Agriculture Minister Ramesh Tawadkar has stated that aiming at boosting cultivation, during the kharif season 2016, paddy cultivation has been taken up on an area of 18,000 hectares. Additionally, the method of System of Rice Intensification (SRI) has been taken up on an area of 35 hectares and minikits of paddy too have been distributed among the farmers.
He has also informed that paddy cultivation has been taken up in khazan lands on an area of 160 hectares. Moreover, assistance has been provided for purchase of machinery and equipment, sprinkler and drip irrigation system covering an area of 40 hectares and also for installation of water pump sets.
Aimed at attracting youth in taking up agriculture, the State has also designed specialised training in skill development, hiked quantum of subsidy for agriculture development and has given priority for benefits under agricultural mechanisation.
