Panaji: October 16, 2014 …. Chief Minister, Shri Manohar Parrikar today inaugurated the South District Agricultural Office at Old Collectorate Building, Margao in the distinguished presence of MLA’s Shri Caetano Silva, Shri Benjamin Silva, Shri Vijay Sardessai; South Goa ZP Chairperson, Smt. Nelly Rodrigues; Principal Secretary, Shri Parimal Rai ,Chairman of ravindra Bhavan(Margao) Shri Damu Naik. and Director, Agriculture, Shri Orlando Rodrigues
The Chief Minister speaking informally on the occasion said that the District Agriculture office has been opened as per the assurance given during the Session, as per the request and demand of almost all the South Goa MLA’s and pointed that the office will cater to total needs of the South District.
Shri Parrikar informed that the District Office will soon be upgraded and manned by an Officer of the level of Additional Director with major financial powers.
The Sanguem and Sattari Zonal Agricultural offices too are upgraded with two officers and more powers, he added.
Krishi Card, Shri Parrikar said will enable the farmers to have a credit of upto Rs. 50000/- at the rate of 1% interest apart from crediting their subsidies to their account directly. The Government, he said will achieve the target of covering around 25,000 people with Krishi Card by next March, which at present is 15000.
The District Office will be manned by Dy. Director, Shri Larry Barretto and will be assisted with two Agricultural Officers and 15 clerical staff.
