The Goa government, last month, released an action plan to back the agriculture and animal husbandry sector, under its ‘Aatmanirbhar’ plan. There are a set of initiatives under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Swayampurna Goa programme’ (ABSGP), which is inclusive of promoting dairy and poultry farming. The scheme also talks about keeping a check on wild animals and cattle at agriculture fields. Further, to facilitate the growth of farmers in the state, crop insurance and fencing will be made available.
NABARD & SIDBI to chalk out a “revised criteria”
It is also being said that the farmers will be assisted regarding horticulture cultivation, procurement of agricultural equipment and sustainable harvesting of medical plants. Additionally, NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) and SIDBI (Small industrial Development Bank of India) will chalk out a “revised criteria” for the schemes introduced by the authorities.
ABSGP even encompasses the revival of water bodies, rainwater harvesting and initiatives in implementation of watershed project. Further, food processing units will be initiated in the state for locally grown fruits and the promotion of contract community farming will also be in the pipeline. Earlier, the CMO was quoted saying, “Revert uncultivated land of comunidade (community) to village and initiate cooperative contract community organic farming will also be undertaken under the Swayampurna Goa campaign.”
The citizens of Goa have also been participating in making various suggestions, including the repair of sluice gates of a river and the need of a face-lift of Corjuem Fort, from the Portuguese era, as a part of the implementation of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Swayampurna Goa programme. The government has also set up stalls at Xeldem village in the South Goa district, to provide detailed information to the residents about the welfare schemes of different state departments.
