Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Jul 8: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday directed agriculture department officials to spend more time in the field interacting with farmers instead of remaining confined to offices, warning that strict action would be taken against those who fail to discharge their duties sincerely.

Addressing an agricultural conference on the theme 'Modern Technology and New Opportunities' in Sankhali, Sawant urged officials to make regular visits to farms, understand farmers' problems and ensure timely solutions. He also asked them to conduct village-level meetings to create awareness about modern farming technologies, help improve farmers' incomes and ensure government welfare schemes reach eligible beneficiaries.

The Chief Minister further warned that tractor operators employed by the agriculture department would face suspension if they failed to carry out field work.

Sawant instructed officials to expedite the release of agricultural subsidies after applications are approved, stating that farmers purchasing tractors would receive subsidies of up to 90 per cent. He said efforts should be made to disburse subsidies within two months of approval wherever possible.

Highlighting the impact of the Swayampurna Goa initiative, Sawant said it had contributed to increased agricultural production in the state.

He noted that Goa has around 18,000 hectares of khazan land and said the government plans to revive these traditional wetlands with financial assistance from the World Bank and the Central government to enhance agricultural productivity.

The Chief Minister also described the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state agriculture department and NABCONS as a significant step towards modernising Goa's agriculture sector. The partnership, he said, would provide farmers with access to advanced farming technologies, technical guidance and information on various Central government agricultural schemes.

Sawant said the government is promoting the cultivation of turmeric, bamboo, vegetables, spices and other commercial crops to diversify farmers' sources of income.

He also reiterated the state's commitment to encouraging group farming, natural farming, greater use of organic manure prepared from cow dung and cow urine, and reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers through various government-supported schemes.

The event also featured a 'Krishi Pe Charcha' programme and was attended by Bicholim MLA Dr Chandrakant Shetye, Maem MLA Premendra Shet, Additional Director of Agriculture Chandrahas Desai and other dignitaries.