Sankhali: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said that agro clinics will soon be established in Goa as part of efforts to boost the agricultural sector and farmers will be provided loans of up to Rs 5 lakh at an interest rate of 4%.
He also urged youth to take up group farming to bring wastelands under cultivation and promote organic farming.
“The government is considering subsidies for farmhouses to promote agri-tourism, while the Centre has approved schemes worth crores to attract youth to agriculture. Full support will be given for group farming and various production activities under state and central schemes,” Sawant said, speaking at the inauguration of the two-day agricultural melava in Sankhali.
He said that if the temple committees and comunidades make their lands available for agricultural development, the government is committed to ensuring their optimal use for group farming. Stating that farmers play a crucial role in making Goa self-sufficient, Sawant said, “Goa’s agricultural sector has a turnover of several crores.”
The Horticulture Board has helped farmers earn substantial profits by selling local produce at scale, he added, calling for a structured market for agricultural produce, encouraging farmers to use scientific marketing techniques to boost the sector.
“Do not to sell your land for financial gain or allow it to be used for chemical or scrap dumping, but to contribute to the green revolution through dedicated efforts,” Sawant told farmers.
On women’s self-help groups, he said they generate an annual turnover of Rs 300 crore, and the government will take steps to promote cooperative multipurpose institutions in the agricultural sector.
The event was attended by Mayem MLA Premendra Shet, Agriculture Director Sandeep Phal Desai, and other officials. In his address, Phal Desai said there is need for policies that strengthen the economic backbone of farmers while promoting agri-tourism.
Sawant visited agricultural stalls at the event and interacted with attendees. The event includes guidance sessions and information about various government schemes.
