Team Herald

PANJIM: With a focus on promoting organic farming in Goa, the State government is all set to convert their own farms and encourage institutional farms and progressive farmers to adapt to organic farming where these farms will act as hubs of excellence for scientific demonstrations, training and learning aspects in organic cultivation. 

Also in a bid to promote and help farmers to substitute harmful agro chemical like fertilizer/pesticides with Bio-fertilizers/biocontrols for clean environment and health of human and animals, Government intends to provide financial assistance towards purchase of organic manures, city-compost, vermin-compost, etc.  

Director Agriculture Nelson Figueiredo said that increasing health consciousness and concern for environment is drawing attention to organic farming. 

“Application of chemical pesticides is increasing associated with the negative impact to human health and environment. There is a need to promote organic farming for healthy food, ecology and pollution free environment, with the process to reduce the dependence on harmful agro chemical and to supplement them with viable alternatives,” he said. 

Figueiredo said that organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystem and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. “Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and service to benefit the shared environment and promotes fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved,” he explains.

Government has introduced ‘Promotion of Organic Farming 2018’ scheme, wherein all categories of farmers/ individuals/institutions/Self Help Groups/NGOs/Farmers Club, who are carrying out agricultural activity or directly involved in Agriculture activity in the State and are having a Krishi card, can opt for organic farming.