PANJIM: Stating that the amendment to the Goa, Daman & Diu Preservation of Trees Act is of benefit to farmers, Forests Minister Rajendra Arlekar said the government never used the words palm and grass to describe the coconut plant.
Addressing the media in Panjim on Saturday, Arlekar said coconut is a tree and it is a commercial crop and it is not a forest tree.
He said that since 2008 the coconut tree has been included in the Act and farmers and coconut cultivators were facing difficulties is cutting the tree for re-plantation.
“We had no other intention than helping farmers and coconut cultivators before making this amendment. It is only in the interest of farmers and we have made a thorough study before amending the act,” Arlekar said.
He said that in Adpoi, Sanguem a massive protest was held recently against the decision of government to amend the act but only seven coconut trees have cut and in private land.
He said there are various new varieties of coconut trees are available which give a higher yield and if farmers and cultivators want to opt for them, they faced trouble cutting the tree and planting a new one.
He said that old Goan coconut trees yield 32 coconuts per tree annually whereas the new trees give 300 to 350 coconuts a year.
He justified the amendment saying the old coconut trees are tall and it’s very difficult to get pluckers. “The new breed of coconut trees does not need tappers, one can remove from the ground,” Arlekar said.
He said that the people who are turning this into a political issue should stop and discuss with the government.
He said the government and the party is ready for any academic and even political discussion over it.
