Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant has called upon farmers across Goa to embrace natural farming, adopt modern agricultural practices and work collectively towards making the state self-reliant, while unveiling a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening the agriculture sector.
Addressing farmers during an agricultural programme, Dr. Sawant said Goa’s vision of becoming self-reliant, introduced after 2019, has been successfully driven by the state’s farming community. He added that, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, the Agriculture Department is working to ensure that locally grown produce reaches global markets, opening up new opportunities for Goan farmers.
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Emphasising the importance of sustainable agriculture, the Chief Minister urged farmers to reduce their dependence on chemical fertilisers and shift towards natural farming. He expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of diseases such as cancer and kidney ailments, stressing that the use of organic fertilisers would benefit both public health and the environment.
Dr. Sawant also directed agricultural officers to spend more time in villages and fields, interacting directly with farmers to understand their challenges and provide timely guidance. He said officials should actively support cultivators instead of limiting their work to office administration.
The Chief Minister announced that the state government has initiated an ambitious programme to revive nearly 18,000 hectares of fallow Khazan land across Goa. Detailed reports on the project have already been submitted to the World Bank and NITI Aayog, with the initiative forming a major component of the government’s five-year development plan.
He further revealed that the government is working towards introducing digital identity cards for farmers, enabling them to access crop-specific information, advisory services and modern cultivation techniques through digital platforms.
Speaking at the event, Horticulture Corporation Chairman and Maem MLA Premendra Shet said the state government’s support for vegetable farmers has increased significantly over the past four years. Financial assistance provided through the Horticulture Corporation has risen from ₹3 crore to ₹8 crore, reflecting the rapid growth of vegetable cultivation in Goa.
Shet also encouraged the younger generation to take up agriculture by embracing technology and making full use of the schemes and technical assistance offered by the Agriculture Department.
Bicholim MLA Dr. Chandrakant Shetye urged farmers to utilise the various schemes and incentives available through the government. Describing agriculture as a profitable occupation, he said the state had extended substantial compensation to farmers who suffered crop losses last year and continues to encourage cultivation across Goa.
The leaders collectively stressed that modern technology, sustainable farming practices and greater government support would play a crucial role in transforming Goa’s agriculture sector and improving farmers’ livelihoods.
