Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will launch the Goa government’s ‘Goa Fresh’ brand at Sungrace Gardens, Ponda, on October 2 as part of the Swayampurna Goa–Vocal for Local programme, WRD Minister Subhash Shirodkar said on Wednesday.
Chouhan will also address a farmers’ and women’s convention at 10.30 am, where he will explain various Central schemes and the benefits available to farmers. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant will also attend the programme.
According to Shirodkar, around 2,000 to 3,000 farmers and women are expected to attend the event physically, while elected representatives and citizens from Panchayats and Municipalities across Goa will participate through video conferencing.
Shirodkar urged Sarpanches, Panch members, Mayors and Councillors to make arrangements at their respective local bodies to enable citizens to join the programme.
“Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will share details about various Central schemes and how farmers in Goa can maximise their benefits,” he said.
The ‘Goa Fresh’ initiative aims to market fresh vegetables, fruits and organic produce grown in Goa under a common brand, with a focus on quality, hygiene and local sourcing. Packaging solutions and prototypes will also be showcased at the event.
More than 1,000 college students participated in a competition to design the ‘Goa Fresh’ logo and packaging, Shirodkar said. A committee under the Secretary of the Goa Marketing Board will inspect, audit and certify the packaging to ensure hygiene and quality standards.
The government also plans to take ‘Goa Fresh’ products to online platforms and promote seasonal and local produce, including Kuddo vegetables and GI-tagged products such as Harmal chillies.
Shirodkar said the initiative could create new markets for local farmers, particularly through the hospitality sector. He estimated that supplying organic manure to three-star and five-star hotels alone could represent a market opportunity of Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore.
On agricultural support, Shirodkar said Goa has around 20,000 farmers who can avail themselves of schemes offering subsidies of 60% to 70%, covering expenses from ploughing to harvesting.
He said the Goa Horticulture Corporation had procured around Rs 7 crore worth of fresh produce directly from local farmers over six months for distribution and supply to hotels.
Shirodkar also highlighted the Swayampurna Goa initiative, under which senior government officials designated as Swayampurna Mitras visit Panchayats and Municipalities on weekends to address public grievances.
On water security for agriculture, he said the Water Resources Department had constructed 100 new check dams, taking the total number in Goa to nearly 500.
The minister said multi-cropping could generate a minimum net profit of ₹1 lakh per acre, while fishermen and trawler operators could benefit from State and Central subsidies under Blue Economy initiatives.
Shirodkar also cited PM-KISAN, saying 12 crore farmers receive Rs 6,000 annually in three instalments. He said the State’s gas cylinder assistance scheme had transferred Rs 3,000 for three cylinders to the bank accounts of nearly 1.5 lakh to 1.75 lakh women beneficiaries.
He further clarified that Krishi Cards are issued only to applicants possessing valid land ownership documents.
“The timeless slogan ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ continues to inspire our youth and farmers today,” Shirodkar said, urging citizens and farmers to participate in the programme.
