Team Herald
VALPOI: Two decades later, Mauxi locals have now commenced cultivating their fields in the village with the full spirit. It may be recalled that 20 years ago the villagers had completely stopped carrying out agricultural activities in the village due to acute water shortage and menacing wild animals.
According to villagers, there are around 25 farmers in Mauxi. At a recent meeting, they held discussions with regards to restarting agriculture in the village without Government help. The villagers have built a well and have laid a pipeline in hilly area without the help of Valpoi Zonal Agriculture, Office and have started the agriculture in their village.
“Several times we approached the Valpoi Zonal Agriculture Officers and had informed them that we want to restart the agriculture in the village. But they have refused to help us. We noticed that most employees in the Valpoi ZAO are corrupt as have availed the benefits of all agriculture schemes,” Mauxi villagers alleged.
“We have started a farmer’s society in our village without the agriculture department help and till now around 25 farmers have been registered. Now, with the renewed vigour and enthusiasm, we have returned to agriculture,” said Baburao Gaonkar, a farmer.
“At present we are growing rice, vegetables, traditional banana etc. in our fields. Despite the delayed monsoon we hope to get decent yield. We are not dependent on the Government schemes. The Agriculture Department’s agriculture schemes are not reaching the real farmers. Sattari farmers are aware of the fact that Agriculture Department will never help us as most officers are corrupt and we know how they ill-treat the Goan farmers, alleged Shantaram Gaonkar, another farmer.
