Margao MLA Digambar Kamat has demanded greater market access to assist small farmers and promote organic farming in Goa. Speaking at a two-day conference organized by the Director of Agriculture at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Margao, on Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Kamat said that local producers needed a platform right away.
While highlighting the importance of organic farming, Kamat presented his proposals in the house. These are to develop a local farmer’s market on a daily basis and request the SGPDA to set up a shed so that farmers from the area sell vegetables and fruits at one place. He asked the Director of Agriculture to meet the concerns and address sustainable market development as the very need of stabilizing their economy by adapting to the organic ways.
Focus on Organic Farming and Cluster Initiatives
Goa Director of Agriculture Sandeep Phaldesai said that the state government has not flipped on the side of organic farming. In his words, right now Goa is implementing 34 schemes, out of which 11 are central schemes, which offer a host of other support schemes too towards sustainable farming.
500 clusters have been selected under PKVY covering 20 ha to promote cluster farming. Provisions have also been made by the state government towards that and in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to look forward for sustainable agricultural growth.
Phaldesai mentioned that transitioning into organic farming was a good step forward, providing the farmer and consumer with the long-run benefits.
Showcasing Local Produce
It showcased the produce of local farmers. 60 stalls featured locally grown organic produce and other related products. It was a celebration of the state’s rich agricultural diversity, but at the same time, it highlighted the potential of organic farming to transform the agricultural landscape of Goa.
The talks and projects introduced here show the efforts Goa makes in creating a sustainable agriculture-based future with organic farming, better-functioning market systems, and government support for the farmers.
News source: Navhind Times