Goemkarponn desk
Sankhali: Urging the youth to take up community farming, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Saturday said Goa is dependent on its neighboring states for milk, poultry and vegetables.
Addressing the farmers at Krishi Melava, in Ravindra Bhavan, Sanquelim, which organised by Directorate of Agriculture the chief minister has urged the youth to look at farming as a profession as it can generate huge income.
He said the government is ready to support the farmers in every possible way including giving assured price from their produce through Horticulture Corporation.
“The Corporation is ready to give assured price for the vegetables. This is a benefit which no other state gives. The corporation also gives priority to the locals produce,” he said.
Dr Sawant, however said, “sadly despite the facilities we have to depend on the neighbouring states. Goa is dependent on its other states for milk, poultry and vegetables. We do not produce 20 p.c of our requirement when crores of square meters of agricultural land remains uncultivated.”
The Chief Minister praised the efforts of young farmer from Dharbandora, Varad Samant, who he said has made huge profit through this profession.
“He made a profit Rs 35 lakh last year. His innovative and creative ideas in the field of agriculture are truly inspiring. Hope we can see many such success stories that will lead us to #SwayampurnaGeom,” the chief minister stated.
Dr Sawant also assured the famers to resolve their issues one by one.
He further urged the farmers to have the three cards – Krishi card, Kisan credit card and the Soil Health Card, which will help them to reap the benefits of Government schemes.
Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly Rajesh Patnekar said the Governments, both at Centre and State is sympathetic towards the issues of the farmers.
“We have to commend the farmers for their hard work, they face several problems like natural calamities or vermin animals, excess rains etc but they still continue cultivation,” he said.
Mr Patnekar said that farming is a good alternative for youth as government cannot give employment to each and every person.
Mayem MLA and Horticulture Corporation chairman Pravin Zantye said the Corporation will continue to give priority to local produce.
“We give priority to local farmers and send it to 1500 outlets throughout Goa. However, we need to enhance the production so that we do not depend for supplies from other States,” he said.