Panaji: The Goa government has revealed a new agriculture policy on Tuesday; it is likely to open new avenues for horticulture farming. Several key changes are likely to take place, including the introduction of contract farming, which could be helpful for both farmers and landowners so that they can use their land properly, get better yield, and boost their income as well.
As per Chandrahas Desai, Managing Director of Goa State Horticulture Corporation Limited (GSHCL), Goa has been lacking formal contract farming law. Therefore, many farmers and landowners don’t like to lease out their land, afraid of losing control of their land. After the approval of the new policy by the state cabinet, it will become a law, allowing farmers to lease their land without transferring ownership.
“This policy will encourage landowners, especially those who have moved to urban areas, to lease their unused agricultural land for farming. It will also boost vegetable production in the state,” Desai said.
As per the policy, state boards will be formed for boosting the production of several horticulture crops such as mango, cashew, and coconut. Farmers will get financial aid from these boards. Goa is known for yielding a variety of vegetables like cucumber, okra, cluster beans, green chili, and bottle gourd. With the help of the new policy, farmers will get additional support to increase production and their incomes.
Such a policy is likely to bring significant changes in Goa’s horticulture sector, making farming more lucrative, profitable, and sustainable in the forthcoming days.
