Goa government working on contract farming law

The Goa government is considering bringing a legislation to facilitate contract farming in the state, Agriculture Minister Vijai Sardesai has said.

The move will allow corporates, individuals or institutions to tie-up with farmers and cultivate their land, he said.

Last month, the Centre unveiled a model law on contract farming and services not only in agriculture crops but also in livestock, dairy and poultry products. The law is aimed at ensuring better price to farmers.

The Goa legislation will be on the lines of the Central law, Sardesai said.

The process of giving a final shape to the legislation has been initiated in association with the revenue department, the minister said.

"The legislation will provide security of land to farmers, while it will also enable corporates or individuals to invest in farming. The basic idea is to get barren lands in the state under cultivation," Sardesai told PTI.

The law will allow farmers to share risks associated with agriculture with other entities or individuals, he said.

"Corporate entities will share the risk of farmers because of their strong economic position."
"I have directed my department to start consultations with the revenue department to evolve a model contract farming act for Goa."