Team Herald
MARGAO: Locals from Chinchinim are upset with the underutilisation of government land that was earmarked for farming activities in the village, but has since been neglected by the State govt.
Two years ago, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) had taken up an initiative to cultivate Durga agriculture farm after four decades.
While the area encompassed 30 hectares of farmland, in 2020, six hectares were brought under paddy cultivation while the rest was to be taken up at a later stage. However, at present, the area which was under cultivation has reduced and the rest of the land has remained fallow. This has been criticised by the locals who have demanded that the Agriculture Department lease out the land to them instead, so it could be a source of self-sustenance and livelihood for the villagers, as it was in the 1960’s, before the government took it over.
Chinchinim panch member Gerson Gomes said if the government cannot cultivate the entire farmland, the land should be leased to the locals as the youth of the village are ready to work in the fields.
He criticised the Agriculture department for failing to provide labourers to work at that farm and for not taking steps to protect the field from salinity and stray cattle-related problems.
