Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed his support for a privatization drive in the agricultural sector. During a recent event in Pernem, Sawant asserted that relying solely on the government for all aspects of agriculture would not yield satisfactory results, stressing that privatization was the key to driving necessary changes in the sector.
In a bid to benefit farmers, Sawant announced plans to establish a soil-testing laboratory at the Agriculture College in Old Goa, as well as at the taluka levels in government colleges. This move aims to enable farmers to conveniently assess the quality of their soil at the local level, facilitating informed decision-making regarding crop cultivation.
Encouraging farmers to capitalize on available subsidies, the chief minister urged them to apply for last year's paddy and cashew subsidies. He assured prompt disbursement of these subsidies, adding that the cashew subsidy had been increased from Rs 125 to Rs 150 per kilogram. Sawant highlighted that eligible recipients who had submitted their bills by March would receive their payments accordingly.
Sawant emphasized the importance of transitioning from traditional farming practices to advanced and integrated methods. He drew attention to the fact that the state currently purchases sweet potatoes worth Rs 25 lakh per month from neighboring states, suggesting that farmers in Goa should cultivate this crop to generate additional income.
Underlining the commitment of both state and central governments to supporting Goan farmers, Sawant affirmed that he had instructed the government to provide assistance to pisciculture (fish farming) and horticulture initiatives. In a progressive move, the state government has also introduced the use of drones for pesticide application on crops, improving efficiency and reducing manual labor.
The chief minister acknowledged the predicament faced by certain farmers who have been deprived of subsidies due to their exclusion from Form I & XIV. Consequently, the state government has approached the Union government to seek permission to extend these benefits to such farmers. Sawant, who hails from an agricultural background, expressed his understanding of the challenges faced by farmers.
Sawant emphasized the need to provide training to farmers in order to promote agriculture. He further stated that enhancing yields is crucial to boost exports. Drawing attention to Goa's new airport as a potential agricultural export hub, he urged farmers to diligently monitor soil health to determine the most suitable fertilizers for their crops.
With the state and central governments committed to extending full support to the agricultural sector, it is expected that these initiatives will pave the way for sustainable growth and enhanced export opportunities.
