TEAM HERALD
CANACONA: The State government has launched a State-wide orchids cultivation project at an estimate cost of Rs 125 crore.
In a function organised in a starred hotel in Canacona, Agriculture Minister Ramesh Tawadkar after lighting the traditional lamp and cutting a cake to mark the commencement of the orchids cultivation project, distributed 46 approval/sanction letters to the prospective farmers.
Director of Agriculture Orland Rodrigues, at debriefing workshop and launch event, described the project as a “big leap” for Goan agriculture sector and especially the farmers.
“A minimum of 4,000 sq mtrs of land with water opportunity is the only basic necessity of a farmer. Government is giving 100 per cent subsidy for ‘Poly-house’ and 50 per cent subsidy on standard costs. The government is providing overall 80 per cent subsidy to each farmer who is undertaking orchid cultivation,” informed Rodrigues.
“Orchid cultivation farming will be a boon to the farmers and also improve living standards of many farmers,” added Rodrigues.
Stating that India cultivates only 8 per cent of its orchid requirements and meets remaining needs from countries like Thailand, etc, Tawadkar said India has a large market of its own and government conceived the project only after a detailed study on meeting finances, climate suitability, willing land-owned farmers, marketing and the high-profits involved.
Goa State Large Size Multipurpose Co-Operative Society Ltd, with a membership of 106, was formed with Khola ZP member Krishna Velip as its chairman.
Government will extend subsidy to the tune of about Rs 62 lakh to each farmer of the estimated expenditures of about Rs 72 lakh of each Poly-House/farmer for orchid cultivation, to be initially financed by a scheduled bank through the credit society.
Stating that Goa’s environment is most suitable for orchid cultivation, Tawadkar said 100 orchid plantations will provide employment to over 600 people and a good to best Polyhouse will give net monthly profit between Rs 2 lakh to 6 lakh.
