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PANJIM: The Goa government is thinking of amending the Goa, Daman and Diu Agricultural Tenancy Act, 1964 to allow contract farming in the State, with the stated purpose of increasing the agricultural production in the State, though a final decision is yet to be taken on the move.
“The Tenancy Act needs to be amended for introducing contract farming…The idea has not taken shape but there is an effort going on,” Chief Secretary B Vijayan told reporters on the sidelines of Revolution Day function at Azad Maidan Tuesday.
The State government is looking at promoting contract farming in Goa especially in the wake of crisis looming large on the mining industry, which has rendered several people jobless.
The government has projected six per cent growth in agriculture sector in next five years.
“Agriculture is not something which you can change overnight. There are several challenges but we are sure to reach the targeted growth… there are indications that agricultural produce will increase in the ongoing season,” the Chief Secretary said responding to a query.
The Goa Assembly, during the 2013-14 Budget Session had unanimously accepted that a scheme for contract farming be implemented. Leader of Opposition Pratapsing Rane had tabled the Bill recommending the same.
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who then replied that government supports the concept, had also stated that henceforth conversion of agricultural land will not be permitted except for public projects and that agricultural land will be taken back if left fallow for three consecutive years.
The amendment will make way for contract farming as people are apprehensive to give land on contract lest they might lose their ownership right.
The government is also endeavoring to attract food processing industry in the State so that the demand for farm products increases. “When there is demand, there will be a need for supply resulting in encouragement to agriculture and horticulture,” Vijayan said.
The chief secretary said that government will also lay emphasis on collective farming so that benefits of mechanization can reach maximum number of farmers. He explained that one harvesting machine can be used by farmers’ collective.
“Collective approach is accepted by the farmers as they are scheduling their farming time table in sync with each other,” the chief secretarysaid.
