the goan I network
MARGAO
At the launch of the Prime Minister’s crop insurance scheme in Goa at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao on Thursday, South Goa MP Narendra Sawaikar came out clear saying the government should moot a proposal to the Centre to cover agricultural crops destroyed by wild boars, monkeys and bisons under the crop insurance scheme for the benefit of local farmers.
Sawaikar’s statement assumes significance and comes against the backdrop of the BJP-led government facing a lot of flak for its plan to declare even monkeys and peacocks as vermin.
“Destruction of crops by animals is not covered under the Prime Minister Fasal Bima Yojana. But, in Goa the ground reality demands that crops are insured against destruction caused by animals. The crop insurance scheme may have been worked out with inputs from some of the other states. The government should prepare a proposal to the Centre to include crop insurance against destruction by animals,” the South Goa MP said while promising to pursue the case with the Union government.
“Nuisance caused to crops by wild animals is a reality in Goa. How many animals can we kill just to keep them at bay. I feel the best way instead is to get the crops
insured under the Prime
Minister’s scheme,” Sawaikar added.
Speaking on the occasion, Agriculture Minister Ramesh Tawadkar said agriculture holds good prospects for the educated youth if they take it seriously, saying that mechanization and forays into
floriculture can give rich
dividends.
He took the opportunity to thank Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar for the budget outlay for agriculture, while expressing satisfaction over the increase in agriculture production in the State in recent times.
