Daijiworld Media Network - Pilerne

Pilerne, Jun 23: Saligao MLA Kedar Naik has announced plans to advocate for tenancy rights to be granted to farmers currently cultivating Comunidade-owned lands in Goa. He said he would raise the proposal during the upcoming session of the State Assembly.

Speaking at an event in Pilerne-Marra where fertilisers and seeds were distributed to local farmers, Naik highlighted the need to empower cultivators who traditionally till land belonging to the Comunidades but lack ownership or formal tenancy status.
“In Goa, those cultivating Comunidade lands are protected under the Agricultural Tenancy Act, but they do not gain ownership automatically. I intend to propose a change that would grant them tenancy rights,” Naik said.

The event was attended by Reis Magos ZP member Sandeep Bandodkar, Pilerne Sarpanch Reshma Bandodkar, Dy Sarpanch Ajay Govekar, Panchayat members Santosh Bandodkar and Ashvini Chodankar, and Village Development Committee Convener Karan Govekar.

Naik also pressed for increased subsidies for farmers and praised Pilerne-Marra panchayat’s efforts toward achieving Swayampurna Goa (self-reliant Goa). “The panchayat is actively encouraging farming by providing inputs like seeds, fertilisers, tractors, and even engaging in horticulture. They’ve also set up a Goshala to care for stray cattle and have cleaned local water channels,” he said, adding that such initiatives can serve as a model for other Goan panchayats.

Dy Sarpanch Ajay Govekar mentioned that the panchayat has been distributing agricultural inputs for several years and also provides tractors to support farmers, helping sustain the village’s farming legacy.

ZP member Sandeep Bandodkar urged locals to revive cultivation on fallow lands, while VDC Convener Karan Govekar concluded the programme with a vote of thanks.