MARGAO: The farming community in Goa is raising its voice to protect its agricultural land, expressing concerns about the potential loss of land rights. At a seminar organised by the Raia Farmers Club in Arlem on Monday, representatives of ‘Goyche
Fuddle Pillge Khatir’ (GFPK) aimed to create awareness about the draft Agriculture Policy.
Jack Mascarenhas, President of GFPK, emphasised that the Policy holds significance not only for farmers but for all concerned citizens who wish to preserve Goan land and identity. They believe these aspects are at risk due to rapid urbanisation and tourism growth in the region.
Mascarenhas pointed out that Goa is expecting approximately 81 lakh tourists this year, with most of the agricultural products required by the tourism sector being imported from other States. He suggested that this situation could be changed if Goans adopt innovative methods, similar to how Saudi Arabia transformed deserts into farmland, using technology. This approach could help generate sufficient agricultural produce to meet the demands of Goa without relying on imports, he said.
Furthermore, Mascarenhas urged the government to allocate more funds for agriculture in the state budget to promote sustainable farming practices.
Amancio Fernandes, former Deputy Director of Agriculture, stressed the need to take the Agricultural Policy seriously and think about future generations. He mentioned
that silence during the formation of the Tourism Policy has led to the presence of casinos, drug issues, and prostitution in the State today.
Fernandes appealed to the public to support organic farming and local produce, for their health benefits. He highlighted concerns about mining minerals washing into the Selaulim Dam and being consumed by the entire south Goa region, posing health risks.
Additionally, Fernandes proposed introducing agriculture as a subject in school curricula to encourage youth involvement in farming, fostering a love for the motherland, and preserving Goan culture and identity.
Santan Pereira, GFPK Secretary, reminded attendees that many candidates contested panchayat elections, but a significant number remained absent during Gram Sabha meetings. He encouraged citizens to actively participate in discussions and express their concerns about the draft agriculture policy.
