Team Goemkarponn
ALDONA: Carlos Alvares Ferreira on Monday lauded farmers in the Aldona constituency for sustaining agriculture despite mounting challenges, saying their efforts are vital to preserving village life.
Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony for the project “Improvement to Tali in Survey No. 71/19 at Grande Coimavaddo in Aldona Constituency in Bardez Taluka,” Ferreira said agriculture remains the backbone of Goa’s rural economy.
“If agriculture collapses, the village economy will fail and people will be forced to migrate,” he said, urging youth to take up farming and carry forward the tradition.
Ferreira described farming not only as a livelihood but as a means of preserving the identity of villages. He reiterated his opposition to the conversion of agricultural land for construction, calling such practices detrimental to Goa’s long-term sustainability.
The MLA said the project, estimated at Rs 18.73 lakh, would support farmers and improve agricultural infrastructure. He added that assisting farmers and addressing their concerns remains a key priority.
He also criticised delays in compensation for crop losses, alleging that the Agriculture Department often cites lack of funds and fails to deliver timely relief. “The department needs to act promptly so that support reaches farmers when they need it,” he said.
Ferreira thanked Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar, along with officials including Chief Engineer Salelkar and other engineers involved in the project.
Deputy Sarpanch Abhitnya Satardekar, panch members Pranesh Naik, Natty Colaco, Salvador Fernandes, Babita Falkar and others were present at the event.
