Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant chaired a high-level meeting at Mantralaya focused on “Unlocking Goa’s Agricultural Export Potential,” in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Jaivik Bharat.
The meeting was attended by Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik, MLAs Premendra Shet and Deviya Rane, Chief Secretary, Director of Agriculture, APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev, Secretary Agriculture Arun Kumar, and several domain experts.
According to the Chief Minister, discussions centered around APEDA’s role in enhancing exports across 18 major agricultural product categories, with India’s overall agricultural exports touching ₹27.90 billion (US$ 27.90 Bn) in FY 2024-25.
Key issues discussed included the status of organic certification in Goa under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), upcoming revisions to the certification framework expected to benefit Goan farmers, and the state’s top agricultural products with strong export potential.
Goa’s growing organic sector was highlighted, with particular emphasis on supporting small and marginal farmers through improved certification access and export promotion initiatives.
In a significant announcement, Chief Minister Sawant revealed that the state is set to form a dedicated Cashew Board to further promote the cultivation and export of Goa’s iconic crop.
“Goa proudly stands as a naturally organic state,” said the Chief Minister. “It is our collective responsibility to pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future for our farmers and exporters.”
The meeting also outlined the roadmap for upcoming national and international events in which Goa is expected to participate to showcase its agri-export potential.
