July 27, 2025

In a recent assembly session in Porvorim, Goa, lawmakers expressed deep concerns regarding the agricultural sector, focusing on the notable decline in cashew production. As reported, this year has seen a staggering 50% decrease in output due to unseasonal rains, prompting opposition leader Yuri Alemao to raise alarms about climate change and its impacts on farming. Alemao emphasized the critical need for adaptive agricultural policies to safeguard the future of farming in the region. Several members of the legislative assembly (MLAs), including Carlos Ferriera and Alemao, voiced their worries about the future of the Sanjeevani sugar factory located in Dharbandora. The lawmakers called for its revival, highlighting the necessity of consulting with local farmers to ensure that agricultural needs are met. This factory’s situation reflects broader concerns within the agricultural industry, where traditional practices and local industries are under threat from climate shifts and economic pressures. The discussions also highlighted the pressing issue of minimum support prices (MSP) for various crops. MLAs argued that the current MSP rates for essential produce, such as coconut, areca nuts, and cashew nuts, are inadequate. Deviya Rane pointed out that an increase in these prices might incentivize farmers to remain committed to cultivation, especially in the face of ongoing climate-related challenges. Addressing systemic issues, Govind Gaude raised allegations of a conspiracy undermining farmers’ access to their fields. He claimed that many farmers face difficulties in obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from landlords, a situation that is detrimental to their ability to establish necessary access roads for agricultural machinery. "As farmers fail to build access to their fields, they are often left with barren lands, leading to the development of concrete buildings in once-fertile areas," Gaude stated. In a proactive approach, Alemao introduced a five-point agenda aimed at revitalizing the state's agricultural landscape. This agenda includes strategies for better management of khazan lands, support for non-mechanizable farming regions, embracing information technology in agriculture, promoting community farming solutions to address fragmented landholdings, and developing a comprehensive implementation plan for the state agriculture policy. He underscored that under-staffed agriculture farms struggle as personnel are often pulled away for election-related duties, leaving critical positions unfilled. Advocacy for agri-tourism was another topic of discussion, with Vijai Sardesai pitching the idea of integrating agricultural experiences into tourism. By promoting initiatives like the 'farm to table' concept, Sardesai believes that the tourism potential of Goa can be expanded beyond typical beach shacks, suggesting that agricultural settings can also become attractive destinations for visitors. He urged the government to consider why local farms cannot serve as unique tourist attractions, thus promoting both agriculture and tourism simultaneously. In conclusion, the assembly's discussions spotlighted the urgent need for action and innovative thinking in Goa’s agricultural policies. With climate change posing severe challenges, the incorporation of adaptive strategies will be essential for safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers and ensuring the sustainability of agriculture in the state. As MLAs continue to voice their concerns and suggestions, it is clear that a multi-faceted approach will be necessary to revitalize this vital sector of Goa’s economy.

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Tags: Cashew production, Climate change, Agriculture policies, Goa, Mlas,