Team Herald
MARGAO: With rising health awareness and a growing demand for organic products, Agriculture Director Sandeep Foldessai revealed that Goa currently has approximately 10,000 hectares of land under organic cultivation.
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Foldessai was addressing a seller-consumer fair organised by the Directorate of Agriculture at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Margao on Saturday. The event, featuring 60 stalls, highlighted various organic products, many of which were showcased by local women farmers.
Prominent attendees included MLA Digambar Kamat, MMC chief Damodar Shirodkar, and councillor Deepali Sawal.
Foldessai detailed the department’s efforts to promote organic farming through new techniques, concessions, and 34 State-level schemes alongside central initiatives. He emphasised the need for soil testing before transitioning to organic farming and noted that Goa prioritises sustainable practices over commercial high-yield farming.
“Organic farming is steadily growing in Goa, but it requires proper support mechanisms for farmers. Soil health is critical, and our focus remains on sustainable production,” Foldessai said.
MLA Kamat, in his address, pointed out the increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases, which is driving more people to prefer organic products.
He emphasised the need for a structured market for organic produce, stating that while organic farming is gaining momentum, it is essential for producers to have a reliable market to sell their goods.
Kamat suggested that the Agriculture Department should work closely with the State government to establish a permanent market for organic produce.
“Small farmers need more support, and this includes a dedicated market for their products. Farmers often end up selling their produce informally on roadsides, but this situation must change,” Kamat said.
Kamat also underscored the growing trend towards organic farming, noting that lifestyle changes have led to more people seeking healthier, organic alternatives.
“Earlier, people used to fall sick less, but with modern changes in lifestyle, there is a greater demand for organic products. If organic farming is scaled up, it is crucial to ensure proper marketing channels to support the farmers,” he said.
