PANJIM: The Economic Revival Committee, constituted by the State government to observe the economic impact due to COVID-19 in Goa and suggest the way forward, submitted its report two days ago, in which it stressed on agro-based industries.
“As of now agriculture in Goa contributes 7.18 per cent to the GDP of the State and it has been recommended that it should be no less than 15 per cent for the next three years for a sustainable rural economy. It is achievable,” said a source in the industry.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
The committee was mandated to make suggestions on how to revive the economy of the State post the COVID-19 lockdown.
There is a huge possibility of linking agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries, which include crab and prawn farming, to the growth of Goan economy. “A value chain will have to created and established within the State, including the marketing of our products. We also need to promote agro start ups, as the thrust should be on agriculture and mining now,” the source said.
The report also highlights that many economic activities, which includes mining, tourism (except Pernem) and industry (except Mapusa industrial estate) are all under panchayat and rural areas. “Though the highest economic activities take place in these rural areas, highest infrastructure spending happens in urban areas. Hence, there is need to develop our rural economy very strongly. The money has now to be spent on rural areas,” sources said, stating that this suggestion has been included in the report.
The report also states that after the mining ban the State survived for several years on tourism and industry, but mining has to start as soon as possible or else the entire fabric of the Goan economy, which includes the rural areas of Goa, will crash.
It further mentions that there is lot of fragmentation of services. “All services provided by various sectors, including NGOs in the field of agriculture should be taken seriously and brought under one umbrella as the contribution is barely 7.18 per cent to the GDP of the State. Which means the amount government spends towards the activity is much higher than what it gets. Agriculture needs to go to 22 per cent of GDP in next seven to eight years, but in the immediate future it has to be 15 per cent for next three years,” added the source.
