Herald: You had introduced a Private Members’ Bill called the Goa Utilisation of Fallow Agricultural Land Bill, 2014 promoting contract farming, what is the current status of the Bill?
Khaunte: The Bill is currently before the State Legislative Assembly. It was not discussed in the last Assembly. The Bill focuses on developing and using the fallow land, especially the fertile agricultural land, barren land, khazan and hilly areas, for contract farming. An incentive of Rs 10,000 per hectare to the fallow land owner by the government is also been proposed.
Herald: What is your take on the Goa Agricultural Tenancy (Amendment) Act 2014?
Khaunte: Overall the Bill has some very good amendments like fallow agricultural land to be developed through contract farming and cases transferred to the civil courts. Here, the only issue is the sunset clause of three years, which needs to be extended. Government itself has said that if required it will further amend the sunset clause. I don’t see any fault in the overall Act as it is in the interest of tenants. Yes, there are small amendments required, which need to be done during this government tenure itself.
Herald: So you feel that the current opposition is not justifiable?
Khaunte: There cannot be opposition to everything. The amendment, like contract farming, will develop fallow land for agricultural prospects further boosting the State economy. So also, it can prove as self employment opportunities to several youth by introducing mechanized farming. The only worry could be of the sunset clause, which government has agreed to amend. I feel the government decision to confer powers of the Mamlatdar related to disposing tenancy cases with the Courts is highly welcome as it will give speedy justice to the cases that are pending before the Mamlatdars for several years. Mamlatdars are overloaded with other duties and hence cannot do justice in many cases.
