Goa’s marigold farming to boost local floriculture
Encouraged by strong farmer support for fruits and spice grafts, the Goa Krishi Bazaar has reportedly launched a special initiative to boost marigold cultivation and increase local output. A workshop was organised in Mapusa to train farmers in marigold cultivation. Besides exotic flowers like orchids, there are several small farmers who mainly grow marigold flowers which are in demand throughout the year. Villages in Sattari have taken to floriculture in a big way with the help of subsidies from the agriculture department. Young farmers have grabbed the opportunity and acquired the technical knowhow to grow flowers. However, all the flowers which are available in the various local markets don’t come from Goan farmers. The flower market in Goa is affected by vendors from outside the state. Floriculture is an age-old farming activity having immense potential for generating gainful self-employment among small and marginal farmers. The production and trade of flowers has increased consistently over the years. Climatic conditions of Goa are suitable for cultivation of various flowers. Goa which is famous for its natural beauty has good potential for flower sale owing to tourism and residents’ natural love for flowers. And so there is scope for commercial floriculture in the state which needs to be tapped by the local farmers and the youth needs to get into the business in a big way. We need to reduce reliance on import of flowers from other states. However despite there being a good market for flowers, not many farmers go in for commercial cultivation on a big scale in the state. Other problems facing the sector are lack of labour as the younger generation prefer white collar jobs or migrate to other countries.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Stray dog rules softened
A three-judge special bench of the Supreme Court (SC) on August 22 modified the previous verdict of August 1 by a two-judge bench that prohibited the release of vaccinated stray dogs from pounds in Delhi-NCR. According to the three judges, the earlier judgement was “too harsh” and ordered that the canines be released after sterilisation, vaccination and de-worming; in the same area from where they were caught (NT Aug 23). Municipal authorities are to create feeding sites in each ward for the dogs. Hope the dog feeders follow the rule. Aggressive dogs or those with or showing signs of rabies must be impounded. The lucky strays got a snap verdict in 11 days while people wait for years, by when the litigants, witnesses and even the judges may have retired or passed away. Sometimes even before the cases reach the SC. Dog lovers (who may or may not have pets) were in seventh heaven as it happens when India wins the World Cup. Stray dogs fortunately have hordes of admirers and feeders. Who would take up cudgel on behalf of other animals and birds? For example, camels, “ships of deserts,” trudge along the sandy beaches and carry fun seekers; elephants, monkeys, snakes and mongooses are used to entertain and seek alms from the people; injured race horses are put down though they might have helped the owner to mint money; man-eating tigers are shot when they can be caught, caged and taken care of and so forth. Why kill peacocks, wild boars etc. after calling them as ‘vermin?’ When only a few birds have flu, why cull thousands of unaffected others when these can be segregated and treated? Life is not fair to all creatures that are great and small though the Lord God made them all!
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Goa’s coconut crisis
Recently, coconut prices in Goa surged to Rs 60, prompting the government to intervene and make them available at Rs 45. This sudden price hike during the festive season of Ganesh Chaturthi has hit the middle class hard. However, the increase barely affects the rich and elite sections of society. Around the same time, the Goa government passed a bill legalising old and existing houses as a festive season gift. Questions have been raised about the practicality and implications of the “Majhe Ghar” rules. The rise in coconut prices is a real burden for the common man, especially during the festive season when coconuts are essential for daily pooja rituals and kitchen use. Yet, social worker Yogesh Kelkar in Mapusa has been distributing coconuts at subsidized rates—Rs 2 per coconut for family members and 5 coconuts for Rs 10—for the last five years. He also provides essential commodities at nominal prices during other festivals. If a single social worker can make coconuts affordable, why can’t the government? Opposition parties, even those using the coconut as their symbol, have failed to match this effort. The takeaway is clear: genuine social service doesn’t require being a politician or seeking votes. True service is about taking meaningful action to ease the common man’s financial struggles amid inflation. One dedicated individual has achieved what many politicians could not. This proves that social service is not the exclusive domain of elected representatives—it can be done by any common citizen or businessperson willing to make a difference.
Raju Ramamurthy, Vasco
Balancing trade
The government’s decision to suspend the 11% duty on raw cotton imports, aimed at alleviating the challenges faced by textile exporters, has stirred significant concerns. While the move may benefit the textile industry, it risks neglecting the well-being of domestic cotton farmers, particularly in states like Gujarat, Punjab, and Telangana. AAP’s call to impose higher tariffs on US imports underscores the need for policies that protect domestic industries while ensuring fair trade practices. India must strive to balance international obligations with the interests of its local farmers, ensuring that no section of society is left behind in economic reforms.
Dr Vijaykumar H K, Raichur
