Goemkarponn desk
PONDA: Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik speaking at a meeting of State Zonal Agriculture officers of all talukas, stressed the need that Goa Should become self-reliant in Agriculture Production and stressed the need to increase all kinds of Agriculture Production, including fruits, coconut, paddy cultivation etc.
Minister Ravi Naik also declared prizes for ZAOs if they contribute to encouraging farmers to bring more land under cultivation.
He declared his individual prizes to ZAOs who will bring more land under cultivation with the first prize of 75000, the second 50,000 and the third Rs 25000.
Ravi Naik said there is a need for encouragement to youths and farmers to increase vegetables, paddy, and other crops as Goa State depends on other states and in case of strike or problems if transportation is stopped, then Goa would face a shortage, and therefore there is need for self-reliance in case of Agriculture production.
Naik said currently, the production of turmeric, ginger, and chilli is increasing in state and stressed the need to increase the production of various crops.
“We need to become self-reliant in all production. Youth should switch to agriculture. To increase production with the help of modern machinery tractor, tiller, machinery,” he said.
He said officials should set targets Target to increase the production of flowers, fruit, agriculture, mango, coconut etc., by encouraging young farmers.
He said Black rice production is currently taken by some farmers and fetches a very good rate of Rs 400 per kg. He said there is a need for hard work by youths.
“There is a lot of demand for agriculture produce and youth can fetch good income, and youth can do agriculture activity even while taking education,” he stated adding Communiadade area should be hired for harvesting.
He said the agriculture department offers offer subsidy on honey production.
Agriculture Director Nevil Alfanso said the department encourages community farming by giving 90 per cent subsidy.
