Will the Goa State Amritkal Agricultural Policy 2025  Be A Game Changer?

Team Goemkarponn

PANAJI: In a significant move aimed at protecting the state’s agricultural heritage, the Goa government has launched the ‘Goa State Amritkal Agriculture Policy 2025.’

The announcement, made by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik, comes amid increasing concerns over rampant land conversion that threatens the state’s vital agricultural spaces, including khazan, kher, and more fields.

The newly unveiled policy outlines a ten-year vision, emphasizing the necessity of sustainable agricultural practices that are resilient to the impacts of climate change.

By banning the conversion of agricultural land, the Goa government aims to ensure the preservation of its rich agricultural heritage while promoting responsible farming techniques. A core focus of the policy is the promotion of organic farming alongside innovative agricultural methods such as hydroponics, aeroponics, vertical farming, and urban agriculture.

This initiative intends to diversify farming practices, encouraging the cultivation of high-value cash crops like mango, cashew and exotic fruits such as avocado, rambutan, pomelo, and grapefruit. The government has committed to providing subsidies to support farmers transitioning to these lucrative crops, enhancing their economic viability in an increasingly competitive market. Recognition of farmers’ welfare is prominently featured in the policy framework.

The establishment of a Farmer Welfare Fund Board and a distressed farmers welfare fund aims to provide financial and emotional support to those facing adversities. Furthermore, raising the limit on Kisan Credit Cards for Goa’s 52,000 farmers will enhance access to necessary financial resources.

The proposed New Goa Farmers Welfare Act would serve to guarantee livelihood security and promote sustainable farming practices, setting a solid foundation for ongoing farmer support. Sustainability is more than a buzzword in this policy—it is a guiding principle.

The government advocates for renewable energy usage in agriculture, encourages agro-tourism, and emphasizes the importance of water conservation.

To combat the challenges posed by commercial irrigation, measures will be introduced to restore degraded agricultural landscapes and enforce stricter regulations on irrigation wells. The revival of traditional water conservation systems is also a priority, promoting efficient irrigation practices vital for maintaining agricultural productivity. Innovation and research play a crucial role in this policy, with plans for collaboration between national and international institutions to bring cutting-edge agricultural practices to Goa. Education is highlighted as a means to foster a knowledgeable future generation, with efforts to introduce agriculture into school curriculums, establish farmer information centres, and launch skill development programs for farm workers. Furthermore, the policy recognizes the significant role of women and youth in agriculture, introducing targeted incentives and programs to enhance their participation. Economic empowerment initiatives are designed to strengthen supply chains, minimize post-harvest losses, and provide innovative financing avenues such as micro-financing and crowdfunding for agricultural entrepreneurs. To encourage agro-tourism, farmers with a minimum land area of 4,000 square meters will be allowed to participate, with designated zones facilitating organized growth in this burgeoning sector. Demonstration farms and farmer field schools are set to be established across the state, serving as platforms for knowledge sharing and community engagement. With the launch of the Goa State Amritkal Agriculture Policy 2025, the government is taking significant strides toward securing a sustainable and prosperous future for its agricultural sector, while simultaneously honoring and preserving the state’s rich agricultural legacy.

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THE AMRTITKAL POLICY…

For Farmer support and welfare:

1. The policy vision is dedicated to creating an ecosystem that supports farmer welfare, ensures fair labour conditions, and empowers the youth to engage in agriculture (looking at the declining manpower in agriculture).
2. It focuses on strengthening farmer collectives (mutual cooperation), enhancing access to markets, credit, insurance, diversifying income through value addition, and agro-tourism.
3. To minimize the cost of production and to increase the quantity and quality of the agriculture produce. Organic farming and natural farming will be encouraged.
4. Establishment of the Farmer Welfare Fund Board to address the welfare needs of farmers primarily engaged in agriculture and create a special distressed farmers welfare fund.
5. For vertical farming, financial grants for infrastructure setup, land lease subsidies, tax exemptions, and fast track approvals would be provided.

Sustainability and Innovation:

1. The policy focuses on key areas like renewable energy in agriculture, agricultural startups, and innovations.
2. Promotes vertical farming (indoor and soilless farming) and urban agriculture by using modern methods like hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics.
3. The focus is on protecting Goa’s valuable agricultural heritage while combining it with modern farming techniques to boost productivity and sustainability.
4. The cultivation of khazan lands will be planned by building bunds and creating soil patterns that are better suited for farming.
5. A commitment to climate-resilient farming practices to protect agriculture in Goa from the effects of climate change, ensuring its long-term sustainability.

Restoration & Preservation:

1. Restoration of degraded agricultural landscapes to healthy ecosystems.
2. Focus on managing water resources carefully by using water efficiently and conserving it through methods like rainwater harvesting and restoring traditional water systems.
3. Prevention of conversion of all fields designated as rice, morad, kher, and khazans in the Form I & XIV.
4. Strict regulations to check the use of  irrigation wells on farmland for drawing water for commercial use.

Agro-Tourism & Diversification:

1. It will promote agro-tourism by allowing farmers with at least 4,000 square meters of land to participate. Strict zoning rules will be put in place to designate specific areas for agro-tourism.
2. Farmer field schools will be given priority, and demonstration farms will be established throughout Goa.
3. In addition to cashew, mango, arecanut, support the cultivation of new cash crops like avocado, rambutan, grapefruit, and pomelo.

Farmer Education & Partnerships:

1. Addition of Agriculture in school curriculums.
2. Farmer information centres would be set up at strategic locations across Goa. A farmer feedback mechanism would be established to gather input and suggestions.
3. Skill development Programs for farm workers incorporating specific subjects relevant to agricultural practices would be held.
4. To minimize the human wildlife conflict strategies will be developed in partnership with the Forest Department.
5. Partnerships with national and international research institutions to bring the latest agricultural innovations and practices to Goa.

Biodiversity & Economic Growth:

1. It specially focuses on leveraging Goa’s biodiversity and climate advantages for cultivating high-value crops (cashew, mango, arecanut) and promoting eco-friendly farming practices.
2. To further this vision, the Government will form the Goa State Coconut, Cashew, and Mango Development Board.
3. Establish a Museum of Goa’s Agricultural Heritage to celebrate and preserve traditional practices.

Land Reforms & Legal Framework:

1. The New Goa Farmers Welfare Act would be enacted to provide guaranteed livelihood security and incorporate sustainable practices, and also the government procedures for farmers would be simplified.
2. Land belonging to Communidade, temples, churches, and societies will be considered for granting subsidies.
3. Pollution with sewerage release in agriculture land/water bodies will be penalized by the Pollution Control Board.
4. Policy directs to form a committee to assess and ascertain the need for introduction of new rules and laws, for any amendment in ongoing schemes, introduction of new schemes, work on central assistance (if any) and finally work on effective implementation.
5. Legislative reforms aimed at creating a farmer-centric, sustainable, and simplified legal framework.

Inclusivity (Women & Youth Empowerment):

1. Inclusion of women farmers and youth in agriculture through targeted programs and incentives, recognizing their crucial role in the sector’s development.

Economical Empowerment:

1. Focus on creating a robust supply chain infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure better market access for farmers.
2. Promote collaboration among various stakeholders like government agencies, the private sector, civil society, and ensure that agricultural development is a shared vision.
3. Introduction of innovative financing models to support farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs, including micro-financing and crowd-funding options.