“I am slightly disturbed that agriculture land area has dropped by three per cent in the last three years. But we have not lost because of land conversion. During my tenure, I have not allowed a single land conversion…the reduction could mostly be because many have opted for high-end horticulture and the paddy field have been left abandoned where no other crops can be grown,” he told the House while replying to demands for grants on agriculture.
Parrikar however maintained that the rice production has already increased from 3,972 kg per hectare to 4,500 kg per hectare. “But I am not satisfied. We will try to increase the production further and bring it to 6,000 kg per hectare,” he said adding that farmers need to be given technological help.
The State has already asked for Rs 150 crore from the Centre under Rajiv Krishi Vikas Yojna. Parrikar, who is agriculture minister further said that agriculture production has overall increased.
On the issue of contract farming, he said the government aims at promoting this sector citing at the Goa Agriculture Tenancy (Amendment) Bill, 2014 tabled in the House on Monday.
Farmers to tour Israel
The government is set to send farmers to Israel to learn water harvesting techniques and boost agricultural production. While replying to demands for grants on agriculture, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said these farmers could thereafter guide other farmers in the State. “I will send those who are purely not into politics… They can learn how water is harvested and used carefully which they can teach other farmers after their return…will not send MLAs or sarpanchas or those who are in politics,” he said adding that this would not be a ‘junket.’
The chief minister also assured that the negative contribution of agriculture, fisheries and animal husbandry to the State GDP will be positive from the coming year. He said the three departments will make a coordinated effort towards this end. He also told the House that while agriculture policy is yet to be framed, one basic principle would be that those allowing fallow land unutilized will be punished.
Besides, the government is also intending to set free agricultural land from TCP norms for agricultural purposes from the next three to four months. He stressed that no land will be allowed for conversion even as his government has been following this policy since it took over the reins.
Similarly, eco tourism will be permitted on orchard land which will also be kept away from the TCP norms. This, he claimed, will boost agriculture in the State.
