PANJIM: Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai on Saturday released the book titled “The Khazans of Goa”, authored by former Water Resources Department chief engineer Subrai (Sandeep) T Nadkarni and published by the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) at a function held at Surendrababu Timblo Hall, here.
At the same time, the Governor also launched the research project initiated by the GCCI Committee on Agriculture and Food Processing for rejuvenation of the khazan lands of Goa, which approximately account for about 19,000 hectares (registered) of land.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor congratulated the GCCI for bringing about this useful publication and initiating this multi-department project and wished all the stakeholders success.
He stated that the importance of Gram Swaraj, a term coined by Mahatma Gandhiji, which promotes conversion of every village into a self-efficient autonomous entity where all the systems and facilities for a dignified living are available. It focuses on making us self-sustainable or ‘Swayampurna Goa’, which is the highly need of the hour with present generations moving away from agriculture.
Nadkarni presented a background about the book and his practical experiences while working in the khazan lands.
He explained that these lands being susceptible to flooding to salt water ingress, hence requires attention and proper care by making bundhs and protection.
GCCI President Ralph de Sousa congratulated the committee for such an initiative to support the farmers for the benefit of the State.
GCCI Committee on Agriculture and Food Processing Chairman Orlando Rodrigues said that these lands were gifted by our ancestors to ensure that the future generations were fed properly making them the granaries of Goa.
The book on khazans throws light on efforts made by earlier generations to reclaim riverside lands for cultivation. The book will be of great use to the academicians as well as general public who are interested in the development of Goa.
GCCI too has initiated a research project for rejuvenation of these lands which is going to be implemented by ICAR-Goa and funded by NABARD-Goa.
The GCCI will also coordinate the convergence of different schemes of Central and State governments implemented by the Directorates of Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry in this project which will help livelihood support of the farmers at Vaddy-Merces.
