MARGAO: Besides passing several resolutions, the Assolna gram sabha also resolved that the Agriculture Policy for Goa should be guided by a vision that encompasses the welfare of farmers, preserves their land and increases their crop.
It also stressed the importance of protecting the Khazans, which are a unique agricultural heritage of Goa. The resolution called for environmental safeguards, data mapping, coordination among relevant departments, risk minimisation, production increase, governance simplification, and decision-making decentralisation. The resolution sought support for the future of agriculture in Goa and urged the government to implement the policy in a timely manner.
The resolution also demanded that the taluka and Zonal Agriculture Officers should be delegated more financial and revenue powers, such as in the case of control over tenant associations and quick release of subsidies. This would enable them to provide better support and guidance to the farmers and ensure timely policy implementation.
Besides this several resolutions, with regards to the draft agriculture policy were also passed.
The villagers provided suggestions such as finding solutions to protect their traditional knowledge and save their land from land sharks, by non-conversion of agricultural land, prevent the sale of agricultural land to non-agriculturists, formulating a land use policy for Goa.
