MARGAO
The Raia Panchayat in coordination with Goyche Fudle Pilge Khatir held an awareness programme on sustainable agriculture for the villagers, including farmers, at the Sunday gram sabha chaired by Sarpanch Joseph Vaz.
Retired Deputy Agriculture Director, Amancio Fernandes, shared his insights on the diverse aspects of agriculture, including paddy cultivation, vegetable farming, dairy farming (White Revolution), and fish farming (Blue Revolution). He also proposed the formation of an association by Goan NRIs to fund agri-processing units and provide aid to farmers.
Carmelito Andrade, a certified drone pilot, discussed the potential of technology in farming, including GIS mapping, early disease detection, and the use of organic fertilizers and pesticides. He also highlighted the role of IoT and sensors in monitoring soil health and other environmental factors, emphasizing the need for a balanced mix of traditional knowledge and technology.
Joycee, Ex-Sarpanch of Sao Jose De Areal, detailed the suggestions GFPK has submitted to the agriculture department. She stressed the importance of a land use policy for Goa and Rachol, and the need to revive unused fields in the khazan and other areas. She also underscored the significance of maintaining sluice gates and other bandaras to prevent adverse environmental effects.
GFPK President, Jack Mascarenas, presented a compelling vision for the future of agriculture in Goa. He highlighted the potential challenges of corporate farming and discussed the impending disruption of many industries by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and one of the sectors that will remain resilient but rather become more lucrative is the agriculture sector. He stressed that agriculture is emerging as an increasingly attractive sector for corporate investment, comparing it to gold. He also stated that, “Corporate farming creates a situation where the consumer pays the highest price, the farmer receives the lowest, and the maximum profit is pocketed by the corporates,” he said.
The session concluded with a feedback/discussion session, where farmers expressed concerns about monkeys destroying fruit-bearing trees in the village and the need for the agriculture department’s intervention. Sarpanch Joseph also stressed the importance of community participation in preserving and conserving biodiversity.
