MARGAO: The annual general body meeting of the Raloi-Tollem Tenants Association was held on Saturday, with farmers from the area advocating for prioritising crop cultivation over fish farming. Led by association president Antonio Dias, the gathering witnessed debates on both fish harvesting and the draft agricultural policy.
Concerns were raised by the ryots regarding the draft agricultural policy’s importance in shaping the future of farming in Goa. The farming community was urged to take the policy seriously to ensure the viability of agriculture in the region.
Farmers in attendance voiced their grievances, particularly about the impact of fish harvesting on their livelihood.
Jose Fernandes, a farmer, stated that fish harvesting hindered their farming efforts, causing water scarcity that affected vegetable crops. Traditional wells in the area were also reported to be drying up in May, due to the emphasis on fish harvesting.
Farmers engaged in vegetable cultivation requested that the association address their concerns and implement measures to support their livelihoods.
Santano Rodrigues, chairman of the Curtorim Biodiversity Managing Committee, stressed the significance of resolving internal issues amicably and focusing on the draft agricultural policy for the future of farming.
A representative from the Mamlatdar office, present at the meeting, directed the committee to address the issues and provide a report to the office. Some farmers proposed that they should also benefit from fish harvesting at Raloi-Tollem.
Additionally, they aimed to collaborate with the Water Resource Department to safeguard crops from damage caused by heavy rains and flooding.
