MARGAO: Few village panchayats including Raia and Davorlim-Dicarpale failed to discuss the draft agricultural policy at their special gram sabhas on Monday.
Sarpanchas of these panchayats defended stating that they did not receive or were not aware of the circular issued by Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik.
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However, villagers and the farmers slammed the panchayat for not discussing the draft agricultural policy.
Villagers from the Raia informed O Heraldo that the agricultural policy was not discussed at the gram sabha, resulting in disrespect to farmers.
However, Raia sarpanch Peter Quadros said that he did not receive any official circular pertaining to the draft agricultural policy.
“Now, the panchayat body will call for an extraordinary meeting to discuss the issue and take suggestions from the farmers and the villagers on the policy. Villagers and farmers will be allowed to attend the meeting and give their suggestions,” he stated.
Rosario Fernandes, an office bearer of the local farmers association said that it is disappointing to hear that nothing has been discussed on one of the most important issues pertaining to the farming community.
“Agricultural policy will be a deciding factor pertaining to the farming activities and hence it should have been taken seriously by the panchayat. Actually, it was the duty of the panchayat to create more awareness on the issue as there is a huge population engaged in farming,” he said.
He demanded that another meeting be convened only to discuss the draft agriculturel policy immediately.
Davorlim-Dicarpale sarpanch Herculano Niasso informed that nothing was discussed on the draft agriculturel policy.
He said that nobody brought to his notice about the policy; however, the panchayat will seek suggestions from villagers and convene a meeting if required.
