CM cautions on overuse of urea in farming

PANJIM: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar urged farmers to reduce the use of urea in agriculture as he stressed on healthy soil.

“I believe agriculture should be based on natural fertiliser and compost, more than chemical fertiliser. Of course some amount of chemicals are good but urea, instead of helping much, is probably deteriorating the soil quality and water quality in the ocean,” he said after launching the Jai Kisaan App for farmers. 

The CM insisted on healthy soil saying, “There is a tendency is to use more urea because if there is good rainfall and adequate water, the fields turn lush green and people think it is a booster. It is (a booster) of course, but too much use of urea can damage the health of the soil.” Parrikar also created awareness on the soil health card introduced by the Central government, which has proven beneficial to farmers. 

With many families turning away from agriculture to try their hand in tourism-related business, the CM has asked people to hold on to their ancestral land. “We are importing a lot (agricultural produce) from Belgaum. Goa is a touristic State and agriculture was depleting because everyone thought that land can be converted and sold at a better profit.”

 We should make people realise that selling land means you are permanently at a loss,” he said.

To ensure people hold on to their ancestral land, Parrikar has proposed introducing some economic activity by either starting dairy farming for smaller parcels of land and agriculture produce, which are in huge demand.