VALPOI
The Government Cattle Breeding Farm at Koparde-Sattari is facing infrastructure, machinery and manpower shortages, besides a lack of basic facilities.
The farm, under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, breeds improved cattle varieties, increases milk production, supplies quality animals and calves to farmers, promotes fodder cultivation and provides training in modern animal husbandry.
Poor infrastructure
The road to the farm is severely damaged, with large potholes causing inconvenience, particularly to people visiting to purchase milk. Temporary soil repairs are washed away during the monsoon, prompting residents to demand proper hotmixing.
The farm’s two tractors were scrapped after completing their service life, but replacements have not been provided. With over 700 cattle, tractors are essential for ploughing, fodder cultivation and transporting fodder. The absence of a tractor for around six months has affected fodder activities and increased the workload on employees. The farm management has reportedly requested a tractor, but the requirement remains unmet.
Inadequate manpower
The cattle population has risen from around 450 after cattle from the closed government farm at Mole-Dhat were shifted to Koparde. However, staffing has not increased proportionately. Several employees have retired, particularly over the past five years, without adequate replacements.
Existing staff now handle cattle care, fodder, cleanliness, milk production, cattle sheds and other daily operations, increasing their workload.
Threat from Gaurs
The farm cultivates substantial quantities of fodder using water from the nearby river. However, herds of gaurs entering the fields from surrounding forests consume and damage large quantities, affecting cattle feed availability. Employees also face safety risks while driving them away.
A strong protective fence around the fodder fields has been proposed but is reportedly awaiting approval.
Dairy development
The Koparde Farm is an important government centre supporting Goa’s dairy sector through improved cattle breeding, milk production, quality calf supply, fodder cultivation and modern animal husbandry practices.
Sahiwal, Gir and crossbred cattle are maintained at the farm, with emphasis on Frieswal cattle for higher milk production. According to information available in 2025, around 90 Frieswal cattle were maintained there.
Development plan sought
Residents have sought a comprehensive development plan covering the access road, water and electricity supply, fodder cultivation, machinery, cattle sheds, milk facilities, veterinary services, fencing, staff accommodation and training infrastructure.
They said better utilisation of the farm’s land could support large-scale fodder production, livestock training, dairy projects and cattle development programmes while creating local employment.
Key demands include providing tractors, repairing the access road, filling vacant posts, constructing protective fencing, supplying machinery and upgrading infrastructure.
