Team Goemkarponn
MORMUGAO: In a bid to strengthen agricultural activities ahead of the kharif season, the Directorate of Agriculture, in association with the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) and the Zonal Agriculture Office (ZAO), Mormugao, organised the Pre-Kharif Campaign 2026 at the Cansaulim Panchayat Hall on Tuesday. The programme witnessed the participation of a large number of farmers from Cortalim and surrounding areas.
Cortalim MLA Antonio Vas, ZP Member Merciana Vas, Cansaulim Sarpanch Savio Pereira, President of the Pale Tollem Xetkaranche Association (PTXA) Roquezinho D’Souza, agriculture officials and other dignitaries attended the programme.
During the campaign, farmers were educated on sustainable farming methods, modern cultivation techniques, crop management practices, water conservation measures and various government schemes available for the farming community. To support agricultural activities, farmers were also provided with agricultural inputs including ghamelas, quality seeds, cocopeat and protrays.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Antonio Vas said that shifting the Zonal Agriculture Office to Cortalim had proved beneficial for the farming community.
“It was one of the best decisions taken for the benefit of farmers. For many years, farmers had to travel to Margao for agriculture-related work and were often deprived of information on various schemes. Today, with the office functioning in Cortalim, farmers have easier access to services, guidance and government benefits,” said Vas.
He noted that the strong turnout at the campaign reflected the growing interest among farmers in improving agricultural productivity.
“The officers have done commendable work by creating awareness and explaining the schemes available to farmers. Such programmes ensure that maximum benefits reach the farming community while also encouraging the younger generation to take an interest in agriculture and farming,” he added.
PTXA President Roquezinho D’Souza said the programme was organised following a request from officials of the Zonal Agriculture Office, who wanted to reach out to more farmers and spread awareness about government initiatives.
“The objective was to educate farmers about the schemes available to them and distribute quality agricultural inputs and seeds that can improve productivity. We coordinated with MLA Antonio Vas, local panchayat representatives and other stakeholders to ensure that farmers could benefit from this programme,” said D’Souza.
He praised the efforts of the agriculture department officials and said the decision to relocate the Zonal Agriculture Office to Cortalim had significantly improved accessibility for farmers in the region.
The campaign concluded with an interactive session during which farmers raised queries regarding cultivation practices, subsidies and government assistance programmes, with officials assuring continued support to the farming community throughout the kharif season.
