Goa govt to enact new law for farmers benefit: Sardesai

Goa Agriculture Minister Vijai Sardesai today said the state government will soon enact a new law to revive and boost community and contract farming in the state to ensure barren lands are brought under cultivation.
Sardesai was addressing a fresh batch of students who have been selected for B Sc (Agriculture) and allied services courses nominated by the Goa government to Dr Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli in Maharashtra.
He said while farmers are committing suicide in some parts of the country, the state government has decided to move a legislation which will "pamper" the agricultural community here.
"Next month I am going to consult legal expert to bring in legislation to institutionalise community farming. We need to reintroduce the system, under which all the barren land can be brought under cultivation.

"There is a need to give push for community and contract farming, for which legislation needs to be brought in, soon as possible," he added.
"At a time when farmers are committing suicides in some parts of the country, Goa government is focussing on pampering the agriculture sector," Sardesai said.

The minister said it is a fact that agriculture in Goa is yet to reach to its optimum acceptance.
Sardesai said the state government has been trying to give right impetus to agriculture by enacting new laws.
"I think agriculture will once again become remunerative and appealing to Goan youths, especially from coastal areas and tourism centric areas," he added.

Giving reasons behind agriculture not being preferred by youths, the minister said "it is felt that agriculture is a profession for old or rural centric and not very stylish."
"So I am trying to get glamour and style into it," the minister added.