Big farm outlay planned; CM pushes for 18,000 Ha khazan land revival
Sankhali: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday said that the upcoming state Budget will make substantial financial provisions for group farming and overall agricultural development.
Stating that farmers are central to Goa’s development agenda, Sawant said, “The state should not fully rely on tourism and mining. Collective farming and modern agricultural practices can trigger an agricultural revolution and transform farmers into prosperous entrepreneurs.”
Speaking at the launch of the Group Farming Scheme at Surla, he said around 18,000 ha of khazan land are available and urged farmers and youth to bring fallow land under cultivation.
Sawant warned farmers that leasing agricultural land for scrapyards would not be tolerated. “Farmers unable to cultivate their land can lease it under the group farming model,” he said, adding that ownership rights would remain protected and no land would be forcibly taken.
The Chief Minister urged citizens to consume fresh, locally grown vegetables instead of relying on substandard produce imported from outside the state, while reiterating the government’s goal of making Goa 100 per cent self-sufficient within the next decade.
Under the integrated farming model, allied sectors such as dairy, fisheries, poultry, horticulture and multi-cropping will be promoted. Sawant directed Agriculture Department and ATMA officials to work directly in the fields alongside farmers.
Four community farming projects in Sankhali and Bicholim talukas were inaugurated. In the Sankhali-Bicholim project, 69 farmers are cultivating 16.55 hectares, with 1,700 running metres of wire mesh fencing installed. The Rs 10.27 lakh project received a subsidy of Rs 8.60 lakh.
At Mauli Shetkari Sanghatana, Mencurem, 29 members are cultivating 6.732 hectares with a 90 per cent fencing subsidy of Rs 4.50 lakh. The Kantor Khazan Tenant Association, Amona, comprising 12 members cultivating 4.96 ha, received Rs 3.08 lakh in subsidy. The Kole Khazan Tenant Association, Kudne, with 68 members farming 8.71 ha, completed a Rs 2.75 lakh project to protect traditional khazan fields.
Under the Community Farming Assistance Scheme, groups of at least 10 farmers are eligible for 90 per cent financial assistance for fencing, irrigation and mechanisation. For 2025-26, a high-level committee has approved Rs 80.02 lakh in subsidies for 10 groups statewide.
ATMA Awards 2025-26 were also announced, with two district-level farmers to receive Rs 25,000 each and five farmers per taluka to receive Rs 10,000 each.
