VALPOI
Polyhouses have been getting good response in the taluka largely due to financial support from NABARD and assistance from zonal agriculture officials.
Shripad Sawant from Koparde has been extremely successful in growing vegetables in his polyhouse and since the last five months has cultivated cucumbers, lady fingers and ridge gourds.
"Initially, I was not sure about my plantation, but I am now pleased with the yield of vegetables," Sawant told The Goan.
"The government gives financial assistance to convert barren land for agriculture cultivation. NABARD is also encouraging the youth by giving them financial support," he added.
Sawant pointed out that vegetable plantation could offer a profitable option to the youth. "Some youth in this area do not care about agriculture and are only after government jobs. It is assumed that government jobs is the only solution for a decent livelihood, but this is not true," said Sawant.
"I am earning over Rs 50,000 per month from agriculture due to my hard work and I am satisfied with this venture. The vegetables from my farm have a high demand and a good market value," he said, adding that some of the ridge gourds on his farm have even grown to an impressive length of over a metre.
"I have succeeded in developing about 500 sq mtrs of land to cultivate different vegetables," he informed.
