MARGAO
South Goa Zilla panchayat on Friday welcomed the entry of Sumul dairy in the state, with members saying that the new dairy will be a boon to Goa's farmers.
The meeting also deliberated on the government’s decision to re-classify the coconut tree, with some members pointing out that coconut trees should not be cut down to make way for building projects.
Addressing the media after the meeting, South Goa Zilla chairperson, Navnath Naik, said that members welcomed the government decision on Sumul. He said that dairy farmers from Goa need to be complimented for the milk production in the state. He, however, lamented that the condition of farmers has not changed for the better, while those managing Goa Dairy have reaped benefits at the expense of farmers.
“The cost of fodder has become expensive. Therefore, the second dairy will benefit farmers. Competition will allow farmers to fetch a good rate, which can also benefit consumers as well,” Navnath said, adding that competition will also lead to an increase in milk production in the state.
On the Regional Plan, Naik said that the Zilla Panchayat did not agree on the scrapping of the RP 2021 on grounds that the plan has been welcomed in certain villages of the state.
On the controversy surrounding the coconut tree, Naik reminded that Hindus revere the tree, including the coconut tree, but hastened to add that there is no harm in cutting a tree if it poses danger to the people and habitation.
Referring to the controversy surrounding the beer factory at Sanguem, Naik said the issue has not come to the Zilla Panchayat till date.
On the shifting of the Zilla Panchayat office to the old collectorate building, Naik said that PWD has till date not renovated the office sanctioned to the ZP. He also raised the question of parking of vehicles at the old collectorate building if the office is shifted to the old collectorate.
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Dairy farmers oppose Sumul's entry
THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO: Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco along with dairy farmers from Raia on Friday opposed the entry of Sumul dairy in the state, saying they are ready to take over Goa dairy if the government goes all out to finish the dairy by bringing in Sumul.
Members of Shri Sateri Sahakar Dudh Saunstha along with the Curtorim legislator informed the media that they are strongly opposed to Sumul's entry in the state, and urged the government to protect the interests of the farmers and Goa Dairy.
Reginaldo said that certain farmers have come out in favour of Sumul, though they have no cattle with them.
“Dairy farmers from all over the state are strongly opposed to another dairy setting shop in the state. If Goa Dairy is facing problems, it’s better to rectify the issues instead of promoting a new one,” Reginaldo said, adding that he along with the dairy farmers are ready to take over Goa Dairy.
Accusing the BJP government for promoting Sumul in the state, the Congress MLA said the new dairy should not be promoted at the cost of dairy farmers.
Local dairy farmers, who are members of Shri Sateri Sahakar Dudh Saunstha, strongly opposed the entry of Sumul in the state, with a plea to the government to strengthen Goa Dairy in the interest of farmers and consumers.
