Team Herald
MARGAO: ‘We for Fatorda’ on Saturday distributed paddy and seeds to the farmers of Fatorda as a part of their annual exercise. The farmers have been urged by Agriculture Minister Vijai Sardesai to work hard to meet the target of making Fatorda 100% organic farming by January 1, 2020.
Sardesai distributed the seeds and paddy to farmers of Fatorda. Fr Victor Ferrao, MMC Chairwoman Babita Angle, Managing Director of Horticulture Corporation Sandeep Phaldesai and municipal councillors others were present at event.
On the occasion, Fr Ferrao said, “We used fertilizers for high yield and now we know that it is carcinogenic. Our future generations can contract cancer due to the consumption of chemicals. Organic farming will take farming forward. Our food will be safe through the revolution of organic farming and I am sure that we farmers of Fatorda will start it.”
Councillor Peter Fernandes highlighted that Sardesai has always helped agriculturists. He requested the people to come ahead and avail the help.
Sardessai said, “It is an annual programme. The agriculture department may be helping now; since the beginning, we have been doing it at our own cost. Now, we want to emphasise on organic farming which is important. Use of chemicals and cancer due that doesn’t see religion when it contracts. Hence, we will start first and will go organic totally.”
“Horticulture Corporation will have a centre in Fatorda soon for procurement of the produce from the Farmers from Fatorda. Don’t need to worry about organic; no one will face loss and if someone does we will compensate,” he said.
Explaining his commitment towards preserving agriculture land, Vijai said, “For the first time in ODP, commercial property has been got back to agriculture, 1,70,000 sq mt of land was acquired during Digambar government for the truck terminus has been rolled back.”
