Team Goemkarponn
SANKHALI: Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant on Tuesday said Goa’s agricultural sector has witnessed significant growth over the past decade, with agricultural exports rising from ₹3.57 crore in 2014 to over ₹5 crore, while also issuing a stern warning to government officials, saying those who fail to perform their duties “will have to sit at home.”
Addressing the Krushi Pe Charcha – Agriculture Development Programme organised by the Agriculture Department at Ravindra Bhavan in Sankhali, the Chief Minister highlighted the State’s progress in agriculture, horticulture and food processing while outlining the government’s roadmap for reviving traditional farming.
Sawant said horticulture production in Goa has increased from 2 lakh tonnes to over 3 lakh tonnes, reflecting sustained growth in the sector. He added that the food processing industry has also expanded, with its value increasing from ₹1.34 crore to ₹2.34 crore. Food processing exports have similarly registered an upward trend, rising from 13.7 per cent to 20.4 per cent, an increase of 6.7 percentage points.
The Chief Minister also announced that the government is working towards restoring nearly 18,000 hectares of Khazan agricultural land, with the revival process already underway. He said a proposal seeking financial assistance has been submitted to the World Bank and NITI Aayog, and expressed confidence that the restoration project would receive support from the Central Government.
Emphasising accountability in governance, Sawant warned that government officials who do not perform their responsibilities efficiently would face consequences.
“If officials do not work, they will have to sit at home,” the Chief Minister said, stressing that public servants are expected to deliver results and ensure government schemes effectively reach beneficiaries.
The programme brought together farmers, agriculture experts and government officials to discuss modern farming techniques, new technologies and measures to enhance agricultural productivity across the State.
