PANJIM: There has been a substantial increase in the mangrove cover on the khazan land across Goa which has forced the farmers to leave the agricultural activities. According to the Forest Survey of India (FSI), Dehradun report, there is substantial increase in the mangrove cover in the khazan land, revealed by the Agriculture Department of Goa.
The government has conducted the survey of fallow land including khazan land through National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Nagpur. The official records state that almost 14,000 hectares of the khazan land is under saline water.
The issue was raised at the recently concluded State Assembly session wherein the MLAs raised concerns over the negligent approach of the tenant association and said that the khazan land has been rendered uncultivable and mangrove cover has been increasing due to salinity.
Mangroves are strictly protected as CRZ Category I under CRZ Regulation. Also under Goa Preservation of Trees Act, 1984, cutting of mangroves is not allowed. Thus, removing mangroves where they have regenerated in khazan land, will have to be considered as per these regulations.
Minister for Agriculture had submitted on the floor of the Assembly that the Government desires to put agriculture in khazan land back in place in a phased manner and proper steps will be taken in this regard.
He had informed that Government is giving 50 percent subsidy on hiring agricultural machinery on tillage operation at source, strengthening of bundh and desilting of ponds to protect khazan land. Minister also submitted that the Government under State Sector Scheme "Revitalisation of khazan land" provides korgut paddy seed free of cost.