Panaji, February 17, 2018 … The 1st phase of ‘Agri Bazar’, the multi facility Agricultural Complex of the Goa State Agricultural Marketing Board (GSAMB)at Ponda Sub- Market Yard, Kurti was inaugurated by Minister of State for Agricultural Shri. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat recently.
Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge) Shri. Shripad Naik, South Goa Member of Parliament Shri. Narendra Sawaikar, Rajya Sabha MP Shri. Vinay Tendulkar, Minister for Agriculture Shri. Vijai Sardessai, Sarpanch of Kurti-Khandepar Panchayat Smt. Rukma Khandeparkar, President of GSAMB Shri. Ulhas Asnodkar, members Shri. Kishore Shet Mandrekar and Shri. Sunil Dessai, and others were present on the occasion. The project is built under Rashtriy Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).
The Agri Bazar is disable friendly and equipped with enhanced and modernized trader facilities, cold storage and enhanced storage for farmers, ripening facility, farmer supply center, kiosks for self-help groups and mandi markets for local produce, advisory centers, banks and consultant offices, convenient internal mobility, enhanced parking.
Shri. Ulhas Asnodkar gave the welcome address while Shri. Harischandra Gaude presented a report on tasks undertaken by GSAMB.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Shekhawat said that the project will act as a ‘one roof solution’ for farmers. “Though the number of agriculturists and farmers is decreasing, this field has a very bright future and it lies in co-operative farming. Government is intending to encourage co-operative farming by implementing special schemes and Goa can be one of the best destinations,” he informed.
To gain profit in farming, the need for value addition and the scale of production should be massive. The farmer lives a stressful life due to many reasons. Hence, in order to help his livelihood, he should take on an alternative source of income as poultry, dairy farming etc. Also, local and seasonal farming such as fishing, cash crop farms can be made an allied source of income, Shekhawat opined.
An institutionalized mechanism will be developed by the Government to help farmers. Scheme like Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana has become a lifeline. The Ministry would like to come with a concept of ‘One Nation- One Agri-Bazar’ to enable farmers to business their yield from one single place, he added.
In his address Shri Narendra Sawaikar said that Government has changed its view-point towards agriculture. The Union Ministry is coming up with schemes which can double the income of a farmer. He also urged the Goan youth to take on bamboo farming as a new source of income.
Other dignitaries also spoke on the occasion.
The Minister later felicitated project Architect Shri. Armanio Rebello, RCC Consultant Shri. Krishna Sahakari and Contractor Shri. Yogesh Khandeparkar for their contribution.
Kum. Tanvi Jambhale presented Isha-sthavan. Shri. Subhash Jaan compered the function while Shri. Kishor Shet Mandrekar proposed vote of thanks.
