This is with reference to the report, "Concerns raised over decline in agriculture across state - The Goan Everyday - March 13, 2024." That was indeed a thought provoking statement about the decline of agriculture across the state of Goa. And it seems like that is the situation in many other states as well. So, are we finally waking up to the reality that agriculture has taken a backseat in today's modern world? The concerns expressed by the MLA are of course, real. He's perhaps right, that today land is abundantly available for agriculture but there are no takers. I am seeing this in Gorai in Mumbai as well, where paddy fields are now being put to other uses like building resorts. It's not just the trend of white-collar jobs and shippie jobs but perhaps it is also the erratic weather conditions that are prevailing not just in Goa but all across the country. There is no doubt that agriculture is the backbone of our nation's economy and all measures must be taken to ensure that agriculture is given the necessary boost. And, most of all, we need to arrest the climate change.
