MARGAO
Former deputy Director of Agriculture (retired), Amancio Fernandes has said the Zonal Agriculture officers should be given financial power to sanction amounts to a certain limit to expedite files pertaining to farmers and agriculture.
While speaking at the special gram sabha on Agriculture Policy organized by the Majorda Panchayat body, Amancio further stressed on the need to have a vibrant farmers club in the village, so that the farmers can take advantage of the various schemes.
He said it is equally important for the NRI commission to create an equivalent NRI farming group, to replicate/do something similar to what is done in Kerala. In addition, he stressed that the farmers association/clubs should reach out to local hotels and industries to have CSR (corporate social responsibility), which are farmer-centric.
He explained how it is important for the village to be self-sufficient in green revolution - which includes paddy and other fruits and vegetables, White revolution, which includes dairy/milk and also explained the various uses of cow dung and Blue revolution - which includes fish farming, Amancio said
President Goyche Fudle Pilge Khatir Jack Mascarenas made a presentation and gave an overview of the suggestions sent to the government on the agriculture policy by GFPK’s expert committee. He gave an overview of the 12 chapters and spoke about some of the 105 suggestions. Explaining why Goa needs a land use policy, Jack cited an example of how Saudi Arabia, which is a desert, uses modern technology in farming and has become an exporter of wheat.
Carmelito Andrade, a farmer and certified drone pilot, explained the importance of using technology and mechanized farming to reduce labor cost and how GIS (geographic information system) mapping needs to be done and taken advantage by the farmers and village panchayat to identify and maintain agriculture lands, farmers database and the yields for every year. “This data can then be analyzed after every crop cycle, to see what works/suggest improvements/most profitable for the village farmers.
He also explained how drone technology can be used for early disease identification/crop failure points, so that necessary action can be taken using organic pesticides and fertilizers. In addition, he also mentioned that it is important to collect knowledge from the elders and find a way to amalgamate this knowledge with new technology”, he added.
Santan Pereira, Secretary for GFPK, spoke about the importance of youth participation in the panchayat and agriculture sector.
The meeting was chaired by Sarpanch Linet M Vaz along with Secretary Custodia Faria, deputy Sarpanch Carlisto Rodrigues and Panch members Creson J Antao and Celin Gomes.
