Local MLA Antonio Vas highlights benefits of relocating the Zonal Agriculture Office
Cortalim MLA Antonio Vas distributes agricultural inputs to a farmer during the Pre-Kharif Campaign 2026 at the Cansaulim Panchayat Hall on Tuesday, as agriculture officials and local representatives look on.
VASCO
In a bid to strengthen agricultural activities ahead of the kharif season, the Directorate of Agriculture, along with the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) and the Zonal Agriculture Office (ZAO), Mormugao, organised the Pre-Kharif Campaign 2026 at the Cansaulim Panchayat Hall on Tuesday.
Farmers from Cortalim and nearby areas attended the programme in large numbers.
Cortalim MLA Antonio Vas, ZP Member Merciana Vas, Cansaulim Sarpanch Savio Pereira, Pale Tollem Xetkaranche Association (PTXA) President Roquezinho D’Souza, agriculture officials and other dignitaries were present.
The campaign focused on creating awareness about sustainable farming, modern cultivation methods, crop management, water conservation and government schemes. Farmers were also provided with agricultural inputs such as ghamelas, quality seeds, cocopeat and pro-trays.
Addressing the gathering, Antonio Vas said the relocation of the Zonal Agriculture Office to Cortalim had greatly benefited farmers by making services and information more accessible. He noted that earlier, farmers had to travel to Margao for agriculture-related work and often missed out on government schemes.
Vas said the strong participation reflected the growing interest among farmers in improving productivity and appreciated the efforts of agriculture officials in spreading awareness about available schemes and benefits.
PTXA President Roquezinho D’Souza said the programme was organised at the request of agriculture officials to reach more farmers and educate them about government initiatives. He said the association worked with the MLA, panchayat representatives and other stakeholders to ensure maximum participation and benefits for farmers.
He also praised the Agriculture Department and said the shift of the Zonal Agriculture Office to Cortalim had improved accessibility for farmers in the region.
The programme concluded with an interactive session where farmers raised queries on cultivation practices, subsidies and government assistance schemes. Officials assured continued support to the farming community throughout the kharif season.
