Goa Minister Proposes Inclusion of Agriculture in School Syllabus

Goa Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Vijai Sardesai urged the Education Minister to make agriculture a part of school curriculum in the coastal state as a work experience for students. 

Addressing the summer agriculture camp gathering in South Goa at Fatorda organised by ‘We for Fatorda’, the minister said the students who prefer farming as a profession in future, would become model citizens if they are taught agriculture in schools. 

He added, “It was a successful attempt to inculcate love for agriculture among the students. He called upon all the MLAs and his department to conduct similar camps across all constituencies.” 

"Like History and Civics, agriculture should also become a part of school curriculum as a work experience. The students who take up agriculture should get more marks. A child would become a model Goan citizen after practicing agriculture," the minister further said. 

He mentioned that he would discuss his proposal with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. It is to be noted that Sardesai, who also holds Agriculture portfolio, was speaking at a summer camp for students, which was organised in association with the Directorate of Agriculture. 

The minister suggested that the state Agriculture department can establish an "agriculture academic cell", which would be the first of its kind in the country. 

He informed that in Goa 25,000 hectares of land is uncultivated and to get it under cultivation is a challenge. Awareness on it will go a long way to get this land under cultivation and create a real green Goa. 

MMC chairperson Babita Angle, Usha Sardesai, Ravindra Bhavan Chairman, Prashant Naik, managing director of Horticulture Corporation Sandeep Phaldessai were among others present in the event with over 120 enthusiastic kids.