Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The State govt’s ambitious Goa State Amritkal Agricultural policy 2025 proposes to ban conversion of agricultural fields. The policy, a 10 year long vision document also speaks about bringing much needed revolution in the sector.
The policy proposes ban on conversion of agricultural fields; focuses on revolutionizing sector; welfare of farmers; promotion of exotic veggies and fruits, among other key initiatives.
“I urge farmers who haven’t yet benefited from our agricultural schemes to come forward and take advantage of them. The Goa State Amritkal Agricultural Policy 2025 focuses on community farming and ensuring the provision of Kisan Credit Cards to major farmers,” said Sawant
He further said that our policy prioritizes quality, subsidies, and innovative facilities, all while ensuring sustainability and preserving Goa’s rich agricultural heritage.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that the policy vision is dedicated to creating an ecosystem that supports farmer welfare, ensures fair labour conditions, and empowers the youth to engage in agriculture (looking at the declining manpower in agriculture).
“It focuses on strengthening farmer collectives (mutual cooperation), enhancing access to markets, credit, insurance, diversifying income through value addition, and agro-tourism,” he added
As per policy, there will be stablishment of the Farmer Welfare Fund Board to address the welfare needs of farmers primarily engaged in agriculture and create a special distressed farmers welfare fund.
For vertical farming, financial grants for infrastructure setup, land lease subsidies, tax exemptions, fast track approvals would be provided.
CM also said that there will be focus on managing water resources carefully by using water efficiently and conserving it through methods like rainwater harvesting and restoring traditional water systems.
“Prevention of conversion of all fields designated as rice, morad, kher, and khazans in the Form I & XIV.Strict regulations to check the use of irrigation wells on farmland for drawing water for commercial use.” he added
CM said that New Goa Farmers Welfare Act would be enacted to provide guaranteed livelihood security and incorporate sustainable practices, and also the government procedures for farmers would be simplified.
“Pollution with sewerage release in agriculture land/water bodies will be penalized by the Pollution Control Board.” he said
Sawant said that the policy directs to form a committee to assess and ascertain the need for introduction of new rules and laws, for any amendment in ongoing schemes, introduction of new schemes, work on central assistance (if any) and finally work on effective implementation.
