PANAJI
Guaranteed livelihood security to farmers, inclusion of women farmers and youth in agriculture, cultivation and promotion of exotic fruits and penal action against those releasing sewage into agriculture fields, are some of the key features of ‘Goa State Amritkar Agriculture Policy 2024’ which was cleared by the State cabinet on Thursday -- more than ten months after it was submitted to the government.
The Goan had in its Thursday edition highlighted how Chief Minister Pramod Sawant held back the policy, despite clearance from the Law and Finance department way back in August 2024.
The policy document, comprising 150 pages, was submitted to the government on March 7, 2024.
Highly placed sources confirmed that following the news report, the policy was included in today’s Cabinet meeting, which was held to clear the Business of the House scheduled for Friday.
Sources said that following Cabinet approval, policy would now be notified in the official gazette, becoming a public document available in English, Konkani and Marathi.
The policy proposes steps for legislative reforms aimed at creating a farmer-centric, sustainable and simplified legal framework.
The policy proposes to enact the New Goa Farmers Welfare Act to provide guaranteed livelihood security and incorporate sustainable practices and also the government procedures for farmers would be simplified.
Sources said that the policy has laid focus on inclusion of women farmers and youth in agriculture through targeted programs and incentives, recognizing their crucial role in the sector’s development.
The agriculture department through the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) will take penal action against those releasing sewerage in agriculture land or water bodies.
The policy aims to promote and cultivate exotic fruits like avocado, rambutan, grapefruit, pomelo, etc for which subsidy would be made available.
“This comprehensive Goa Amritkal Agriculture Policy framework this reflects Goa’s commitment to transforming its agricultural sector into a modern, sustainable and inclusive pillar of its economy, poised to meet the challenges of the 21st century while preserving its rich agricultural heritage,” the document stated.
The State government had in May 2023 constituted the committee to draft the State Agriculture policy. A total of over 3751 suggestions from individuals, farmers groups, village panchayats and other stakeholders were received for the policy at the drafting stage.
Based on the suggestions, the Committee had identified focused areas like agriculture and horticulture development, integrated farming, land, soil and watershed development, khazan land, fertilizer, nutrient, pesticide and pest management, agro tourism, organic and natural farming, agriculture export, storage and warehousing, climate and environment, agriculture in school curriculum and research.
