PORVORIM: Revenue Minister Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate on Tuesday informed the State Assembly that the government is giving active consideration to the Agricultural Policy,
including the issue of contract farming, and once this is finalised, most of the issues related to the cultivation of agricultural land, including khazan land, will be resolved.
Replying to calling attention tabled by Mayem MLA Premendra Shet, the Minister said the comprehensive steps taken by the government demonstrates its commitment to restoring khazan fields back to productive paddy cultivation while addressing environmental concerns and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.
“The amendments to the rules and the introduction of targeted schemes and projects reflect a proactive approach to preserving and enhancing the unique agricultural heritage of Goa’s khazan lands,” he said.
He said the management of the sluice gates and the repair and conservancy of the bundhs by Tenant Associations are governed by the Goa Agricultural Tenancy (Discharge of Joint Responsibility of Tenants) Rules, 1975, and according to the rules, the Managing Committee of the Tenant Association is responsible for the conservancy, maintenance, and repairs of bunds, embankments, ridges, and sluice gates.
This includes taking all necessary steps for these tasks and preparing estimates for repairs and maintenance, he said.
In his calling attention motion, MLA Premendra Shet said most of the khazan fields have thick mangroves and are left fallow. In addition, bundhs and sluice gates are not maintained , resulting in the ingress of saline water.