Underscoring the importance of agriculture in the State Minister for Agriculture Shri. Ravi Naik today exhorted young farmers to cultivate their ancestral land and contribute in enhancing agricultural economy of the State. He was speaking at a programme organised by Krishi Vigyan Kendra , South Goa, Directorate of Agriculture held at Durga Farm Chinchinim. The programme coincided with celebration of World Food Day.
Minister Shri.Naik said that Agriculture Department is providing all kinds of assistance to farmers for cultivation, but still we don’t see satisfactory growth in agriculture sector. Goa is a tiny state. If fertile land is kept abandoned and used for commercial purposes Goans will face severe consequences in near future. Thus, we need to bring more land under cultivation thereby safeguarding the future of the generations to come.
Shri.Naik inaugurated Mango Gene Bank and Fodder cafeteria which is being cultivated at Durga Farm of Directorate of Agriculture. Minister expressed that, Mango Gene Bank will help farmers to get Goans species of mango saplings and also the traditional species of mangoes which are on the verge of extinction.
MLA, Navelim and Chairman of Kadamba Corporation Shri. Ulhas Tuyenkar expressed that revival of agriculture in the state is very much important to attain self sustainable livelihoods.
MLA, Vellim Shri.Cruz Silva in his address said that Goans need to give top priority for agriculture and avail the benefits of the Schemes of Agriculture Department.
Director, Agriculture Shri. Nevil Alphanso informed that the Department is working seriously towards revival of paddy cultivation and other kind of agriculture in South Goa. The Department intends to cultivate paddy in Durga Farm.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, North Goa already has its Mango Gene Bank, but South Goa was awaited till now. The Mango Gene Bank at Durga Farm will able to cater needs of local farmers and also help in conservation of rare local species of mangoes. At present gene bank has 32 varieties of mangoes saplings.
On the occasion certificates on completion of farmers course conducted by Krishi vigyan Kendra were distributed to the participants.
Besides, Technical folders containing detail information regarding farming, agricultural produce and other cultivation were released on the occasion.
Sarpanch, Chinchinim Shri.Valentino Barretto, Zilla panchayat Member Shri. Julieo Fernandes. Agriculture enthusiasts Father George Cardoz, Zonal Agriculture Officer Shri. Sheriff Furtado, Sarzora Sarpanch Smt. Rivona Fernandes were present on the occasion.
