MARGAO: Goyche Fudle Pilge Khatir (GFPK) convened a meeting in Margao on Saturday evening, involving stakeholders in a public consultation to gather and deliberate on inputs for the forthcoming Agriculture Policy for Goa. The policy’s submission deadline to the Goa government is August 16.
After a comprehensive discussion, a unanimous decision emerged to formally request a one-month extension of the submission deadline.
Jack Mascarenhas, President of GFPK, emphasised that the impending Agriculture Policy would impact not only farmers but all residents of Goa, spanning various professions and walks of life.
“The importance of safeguarding Goa’s farmers and their agricultural land transcends individual roles, as the produce directly influences our health and that of future generations,” Mascarenhas asserted.
He further stated, “The participants displayed commendable engagement, offering insights into real-time challenges encountered in their villages. GFPK plans to compile these inputs into a comprehensive document for submission.”
Key concerns addressed during the meeting encompassed the absence of a Land Use Policy for Goa, which Mascarenhas likened to putting the cart before the horse. “There are so many land use changes which are creating multi-level challenges for the farmer. These challenges necessitate addressing land use and protection at its core, given the threats posed by governmental and real estate interests,” said one of the speakers at the event.
“Besides, fallow land challenges, subsidy formalities, community farming suitably tailored and encouraged, Khazan land and its infrastructure protection, New Education Policy of the government also needs to be reflected in this Policy,” said Mascarenhas.
Additionally, participants urged research and technology institutes, granted land by the government, to reciprocate support to Goan farmers through education, new tools, equipment, and technological assistance.
Mascarenhas highlighted the pivotal role of Goa’s Comunidades—traditional village landholding bodies—in the agricultural landscape. Their involvement is deemed essential for decision-making concerning agricultural land.
