Team Herald
MARGAO: The Ministry of Agriculture is working to double the income of Goan farmers in the next 5 years and to also promote Brand Goa to boost the agriculture sector in the state. This was articulated by Agriculture Minister Vijai Sardessai at the inauguration of the Goa Horticulture Expo 2017 presently underway at Ravindra Bhavan.
The Agriculture Minister said “The Prime Minister of India promised the farmers a doubling their income in 5 years, then it becomes a policy for all the states and the Agriculture Ministers of states.”.
Vijai went on to say “We have got ahead in Goan politics with Goa Forward and it is now our plan to take our Agriculturists of Goa forward. If agro produce can be sold by outsiders in the name of Goa in our state, why not Goans promote brand Goa in Goa?. In the next 5 years brand Goa will be completely inculcated into Goan agriculture and the Goan Cashew, Rice, fruits will be promoted. With this there will be a boost for tourism and brand Goa beyond Goa.”
Vijai said even orchids could be a boost for brand Goa. “We have to change the attitude of people taking Portuguese passport who then take up job filling fuel in London instead of taking up agriculture within Goa just for more remuneration. It will change only with incentives for Goan agriculture”. He said the ministry was ready for any suggestions to move the industry forward.
Vijai also promised of coming up with a scheme for the promotion of nursery farming once the code of conduct was over.
Agriculture Director Ulhas Pai Kakode said “We have started getting the much needed direction in the agriculture sector which we were longing for a long time. This is because the present Agriculture Minister has in depth knowledge of the sector. We will help pass on all the benefits to the agriculturists of Goa”.
The Goa Horticulture Expo which will end on Sunday May 21 has been organised by the by the Lions Club of Avedem-Paroda along with Department of Agriculture. Agriculture Director Ulhas Pai Kakode, President of Lions Club Dharmu Raut Dessai, Project Coordinator Dr. Vyankatesh Prabhudessai and others were present at the occasion.
