NT Reporter
Panaji
The cashew sector has received an allocation of Rs 27 crore in the 2026-27 Budget, with the state government announcing the creation of the Goa State Cashew Board to provide price support and develop improved varieties of cashew for farmers.
An amount of Rs 2 crore has been allotted to establish the Goa State Cashew Board. In addition, Rs 25 crore has been set aside to increase the fixed price of cashew and provide additional financial support to Scheduled Tribe farmers.
The government also plans to develop new Mother Blocks of improved cashew varieties at government farms in Kodar and Kalay so that farmers can receive high-quality planting material at reasonable rates.
The government has allocated Rs 293 crore for the Agriculture Department in the 2026-27 Budget. Of this, Rs 258 crore has been earmarked for revenue expenditure and Rs 35 crore for capital
expenditure.
Goa Amrit Kaal Agriculture Policy 2025 has been allocated Rs 20 crore. The policy aims to promote modernisation in agriculture and strengthen food security in the farming sector.
To support farmers better, the government has proposed the creation of a Farmer Registry and a Digital Identity for every farmer.
A proposal has been submitted under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana to undertake 10 watershed projects over the next five years. These projects will cover 84,476 hectares of land at an estimated cost of Rs 236.53 crore.
In addition, Rs 2.40 crore has been allocated to promote drip irrigation systems for vegetable cultivation.
A specialised packhouse following APEDA standards will be completed this year at Manohar International Airport in Mopa to support the export of agricultural produce.
Work on 13 khazan bunds costing approximately Rs 25 crore is also nearing completion in different talukas. New works are also planned in Tiswadi, Ponda and Mormugao.
Meanwhile, the government has proposed doubling financial assistance for organic manure and vermicompost units, increasing support from Rs 2,600 to Rs 5,000 per cubic metre.
The government will also launch a new digital platform called M-Krishi which will allow farmers to apply online for various government schemes and subsidies.
Contractual Community Farming has also been proposed to provide financial support to farmers and groups who bring fallow land back into cultivation.
**
