MAPUSA
Calling for a Green Revolution in Goa, Ports Minister, Michael Lobo said the government will have to step in and provide maximum assistance to those who are ready to venture into farming business in the State.
He also said rising unemployment was a concern and the government was in no position to provide jobs to all youth.
“To start a Green Revolution in the State our government will have to help those who are ready to do farming. Government needs to provide 90 percent subsidy for fertilizers and harvesting instead of the 50 per cent support provided at present. Also seeds should be provided free to farmers,” Lobo said.
The Ports Minister was addressing a gathering after inaugurating a harvesting machine in the village of Parra. Sarpanch of Parra, Delilah Lobo, Verla-Canca Sarpanch, Milton Marques, panch members and General Manager of Horticulture, R L Joshi were also present.
Lobo said Goa was always green but around three decades back farmers gave up cultivating their fields and everyone started clamouring for white-collar jobs.
“A graduate in Goa is ready to do a peon’s job but wants a government job. The youth should understand the fact that all cannot get government jobs. The government can offer limited jobs…like around 500 jobs of LDC, 300 jobs of peons and possibly 400 jobs in police department in a period of five years,” he said.
The Ports Minister said most farmers and their children gave up on farming due to mounting expenses which made the business unproductive.
He said if the government provided proper direction and assistance then the farmer, his sons and the youth of Goa will also come forward to do farming.
“If everyone gets seeds, a tractor and a harvesting machine then why will someone not cultivate fields? Why will he keep his fields barren? Since expenses were high a farmer was not enthused to go into farming,” he said.
‘Parra mini-market will give youth opportunity to do business’
MAPUSA: Floating the idea of establishing a local-self market, Ports Minister Michael Lobo said he has plans to start a mini-market in Parra village which will give local youth an opportunity to do business.
“It’s a very simple idea. Produce at home and sell at the mini-market. People and particularly the unemployed youth will get an opportunity to get into business,” Lobo said.
He said someone can set up a shop selling caju seeds, local wine or even tourism-related items.
“The mini-market will only be for locals. We will sign an agreement only if our youth are ready to sit over there. Our Goans need to make money by doing legal business,” he said.
He said the market which will be built by Verla-Canca and Parra panchayats will have a number of stalls with shutters.
