He explained that the department had announced various schemes in the last three years to motivate farmers to cultivate different crops across Goa. The biggest chilly cultivation zone is in Canacona. Goa consumes around 7 – 8 tons of chillies daily.
“We were not aware of the production this year, so we will be looking for a new market henceforth as the production of chillies is more than our need,” said Tawadkar, adding that the chillies were sold at cheaper rates in Belgaum.
He also informed that a new market would also be sought for watermelons as Goan farmers, especially those in South Goa, had cultivated more watermelons than was required. Neighbouring districts had also exported watermelons to Goa with cheaper rates, which adversely affected the Goan farmers.
The agriculture department will also bring khazan lands under cultivation by providing farmers with salt-tolerant seeds.
