Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The long-delayed Krishi Ghar project in Quepem dominated discussions in the Goa Assembly, with multiple MLAs voicing concerns over its stalled progress and unsuitable location for farmers.
MLA Nilesh Cabral called for the project to be relocated to a more accessible site. He informed the House that he has identified alternate land closer to the highway, which would offer better connectivity and convenience for farmers. “Farmers should not be forced to walk long distances. The location must serve their interests first,” Cabral stated.
MLA Altone D’Costa backed the suggestion for relocation but cautioned that the shift should not delay the project’s foundation any further. He was among the first to raise the issue in the Assembly, prompting a response from Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik, who revealed that although a tender was previously issued, the contractor abandoned the work midway. He assured the House that the government will soon re-tender the project to ensure its timely execution.
Responding to the debate, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured the Assembly that officers will conduct a site inspection of the proposed new location and take a decision accordingly. He further assured that the foundation stone for the Krishi Ghar will be laid by the end of October.
Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao also weighed in, stressing the need to prioritise agricultural infrastructure. In response, Minister Ravi Naik underlined the government’s commitment to boosting farming activity and increasing income for farmers through improved support systems like the Krishi Ghar.
With growing pressure from both ruling and opposition MLAs, the government appears poised to revive the long-stalled project with fresh urgency — ensuring that both location and timeline align with the interests of the farming community.
