the goan I network
PANAJI
The State government has also declared assured price of Rs 10 per coconut to farmers. In 2015-16, 980 farmers have availed subsidy for assured price of coconut for a quantity of 84.48 million nuts. The total amount spent by the government on the subsidy is Rs 1.85 crore.
The Agriculture Department has also implemented various schemes for fencing, irrigation infrastructure and micro-irrigation, mechanisation (climber, sprayers, power tillers, etc.). Additionally, there are various subsidies for micro-nutrients, rock phosphate and organic inputs.
About 42,000 coconut seedlings are raised on government farms annually and made available to local growers at minimum rates and soil health cards are issued to ascertain the nutritional and health status of the soil under coconut plantation.
The State government has, however, made No Objection Certificate (NOC) mandatory for cutting of senile and unproductive coconut trees to make way for new planting or replanting.
For cutting of two coconut trees in a calendar year, NOC by Zonal Agricultural Officer (ZAO) concerned is mandatory, for three to ten trees NOC by Agriculture Director is mandatory.
For cutting of more than 10 coconut trees NOC by government, on case to case basis, based on the recommendation of an Expert Committee headed by Agriculture Secretary is a must.
However, permission to cut coconut trees posing danger to houses, property and inmates is accorded by Deputy Collector.
