from daijiworld's special correspondent

Panaji, Jul 21: Trying to be self-dependent on vegetable and flower sector, Goa government will promote the local vegetable and flower cultivation by providing them financial assistance through Goa state horticulture development corporation (GSHDC), stated agriculture minister, Fransisco Pacheco.

In a written reply on the floor of the house, Pacheco said that the corporation is implementing a new scheme from May 2006 for creation of infrastructure for growing local vegetables and flowers.

"Under this programme, groups of farmers are organized by NGOs for growing vegetables and flowers and assistance upto Rs 40,000 per hectare," he said.

These groups are also provided assistance for renting out vegetable outlets for sale of these vegetables for which assistance upto Rs 2,000 per month is given for the first year, Pacheco added.

The agriculture minister said that the corporation itself has four outlets for sale of vegetables and fruits. "At these centers, the price of vegetables is kept as low as possible by keeping very low profit margin. These rates automatically control the rates of vegetables that are sold in the open market," he stated.