A university for agriculture and horticulture may be established in Goa soon. The state will sign an MoU with Dr Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidhyapeeth, Dapoli, to establish an agriculture college by June this year, chief minister Pramod Sawant said on Thursday.
"Many Goan students are studying agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and other agriculture-related subjects at universities across the country." Taking this into consideration, we intend to establish an agriculture college in Goa under the auspices of Goa University," Sawant said.
"We can also consider establishing an agriculture university in Goa," the chief minister said in response to a proposal to establish an agricultural institution in Goa at the 24th national conference on agricultural economics in Old Goa.
The Maharashtra Society for Agricultural Economics and Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidhyapeeth, Dapoli, organized the event. The organizers also advocated for the establishment of a central agricultural university in Goa to serve Goan, national, and international students.
Sawant met with representatives of Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, and the heads of ICAR-CCARI, directorate of agriculture, Goa, to discuss the new institute's plan of action.
"The chief minister has assured us that government land (Ponda or Old Goa) will be used to establish the institute, and we have agreed to provide technical assistance." Nodal persons will be appointed in the coming days to carry this plan forward," said Sanjay Sawant, vice-chancellor of the Dapoli-based university.
Agriculture, according to Union Tourism Minister Shripad Naik, is the backbone of our country. "Agriculture employs nearly 65 percent of the population." "Development of the agricultural sector is critical," he said.
According to the chief minister, agro-tourism has been successfully launched in Goa on a small scale using the PPP model. He stated that the state should become Atmanirbhar (self-reliant).
"Goa is still 80 percent dependent on other states for agriculture, horticulture, dairy, and fisheries products." To make Goa self-sufficient, agriculture officers must provide training to farmers in rural Goa once a week in order to boost agriculture and dairy activities in the state,” according to Sawant.
He mentioned Sadhguru's Save Soil movement, which aims to combat land degradation and promote healthy soil. Sawant also discussed the various initiatives undertaken by the central government to benefit farmers.
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