the goan I network
VASCO
With the commencement of the farming season, the lone traditional field of Mestawado-Vasco was seen abuzz with activity as a group of farmers began their farming activity on Friday morning.
The ploughing activity was launched by Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) councillor Krishna Daji Salkar in the presence of Ward 16 councillor Rochna Borkar, farmers Geeta Korgaonkar, Ramakant Borkar, Santan Fernandes and others.
Salkar, who was celebrating his birthday on Friday, had made arrangements to provide a tractor to plough the field in the area.
According to farmers, Salkar has been providing the machinery for the farmers since the last 12 years.
“Tractors for the ploughing and harvesting machines have been provided each year so that farmers get some relief. We are all traditional farmers now above 60 years and hence it is very difficult for us to undertaking farming in the traditional manner,” said a farmer Geeta Korgaonkar.
“With our children reluctant to pursue farming and non-availability of labourers, the machinery given by Salkar every year helps us save a lot of time while making our works easier,” Korgaonkar added.
Speaking to reporters, MMC councillor Krishna Daji Salkar said he had been helping the farmers in whatever way he could.
“Farming is one of the most important yet underrated professions in our country and it is our duty to provide assistance to the farming community. Lands are being lost due to building projects and the State government must provide farmers with some support, subsidies and schemes, so that they can earn a decent living.”
“The government has to come up with newer techniques in agriculture so that the younger generation also shifts to this noble profession,” said Salkar.
MMC councillor Rochana Borker said the WRD nullah along the field was choked and water had been entering into the fields.
“Being the ward councillor, I feel proud that the only farmland available in Vasco city lies in my ward and farmers still continuing their activity here. The farmers have face a lot of difficulties as dirty water from the chogged WRD nullah enters into the fields.
“On behalf of all farmers here, we request Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida to help the farmers by getting authorities to clean the WRD nullah, which has not been maintained since the last few years,” said Borker.
Another farmer, Sakharam Bhagat, requested the MMC to clean the roadside debris of bridge works recently undertaken by railway authorities.
