PONDA: In a bid to protect their longstanding Zayo (Jasmine) cultivation in Mardol, farmers have raised concerns about potential threats from builder interests. They met with Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik to request that they be formally recognized as tenants of the land where they have been cultivating Zayo for over a century. The farmers have called for necessary amendments to the Agriculture Tenancy Act to secure their inclusion as tenants.
The farmers pointed out that, in addition to Zayo, they used to cultivate other bagayat crops on the land, but these were damaged due to vested interests. They submitted a memorandum outlining their demands for legal recognition and land protection.
Minister Ravi Naik has assured the farmers that their grievances will be examined. He expressed a positive response to their request. The farmers plan to meet with Revenue Department Minister Atanasio Monserrate to discuss the required amendments further.
These Zayo cultivators explained that when the tenancy act was implemented, they were illiterate and, therefore, could not have themselves recorded as tenants of the land. Currently, around 60 families are engaged in Zayo cultivation.
The farmers have urged Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik to amend the Agriculture Tenancy Act to recognize Zayo cultivating families as tenants of the land they cultivate. They have highlighted that the Zayo cultivation land has already shrunk due to road widening projects, and builders are eyeing the remaining land. They emphasized the need to protect their unique Zayo, which is renowned for its colour and fragrance and has cultural significance in the region. They have also requested compensation for the losses they suffered during a recent fire incident.
