*MIA can be a potential agricultural export hub says CM Sawant
Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: Drawing attention to Goa’s Manohar International Airport (MIA) as a potential agricultural export hub, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant urged farmers to diligently monitor soil health to determine the most suitable fertilizers for their crops.
“With MIA having a huge potential, I urge farmers to diligently monitor soil health to determine the most suitable fertilizers for their crops,” said Sawant
He further emphasized the need to provide training to farmers in order to promote agriculture while stating that enhancing yields is crucial to boost exports.
Sawant also expressed his support for a privatization drive in the agricultural sector while asserting that relying solely on the government for all aspects of agriculture would not yield satisfactory results, stressing that privatization was the key to driving necessary changes in the sector.
“In a bid to benefit farmers, Sawant announced plans to establish a soil-testing laboratory at the Agriculture College in Old Goa, as well as at the taluka levels in government colleges,” he added
CM said that this move aims to enable farmers to conveniently assess the quality of their soil at the local level, facilitating informed decision-making regarding crop cultivation.
Encouraging farmers to capitalize on available subsidies, the chief minister urged them to apply for last year’s paddy and cashew subsidies.
He assured prompt disbursement of these subsidies, adding that the cashew subsidy had been increased from Rs 125 to Rs 150 per kilogram. Sawant highlighted that eligible recipients who had submitted their bills by March would receive their payments accordingly.
Sawant emphasized the importance of transitioning from traditional farming practices to advanced and integrated methods.
He drew attention to the fact that the state currently purchases sweet potatoes worth Rs 25 lakh per month from neighboring states, suggesting that farmers in Goa should cultivate this crop to generate additional income.
