Goa State Amritkal Agriculture Policy 2025 Launched to Promote Sustainability, Boost Agro-Tourism, and Ensure Farmer Prosperity
Goa launched the State Amritkal Agriculture Policy 2025 to modernize and sustain agriculture. Key highlights include creating the Coconut, Cashew & Mango Development Board, streamlining sugarcane procurement, expanding Kisan Credit Cards, promoting agro-tourism, and introducing new cash crops. The policy emphasizes environmental protection, youth participation, and sustainable practices, aiming to make Goa a self-reliant agricultural hub.
On February 11, 2025, the Goa government launched the State Amritkal Agriculture Policy 2025, a comprehensive initiative aimed at reshaping the state’s agricultural sector into a modern, sustainable, and vital contributor to its economy. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, in a press conference, outlined the government’s vision for the next decade, emphasizing the need for legislative amendments and monthly reviews to ensure the policy’s successful implementation.
The State Amritkal Agriculture Policy 2025 seeks to integrate innovation, research, and farmer prosperity into Goa’s agricultural landscape while preserving the state’s traditional farming essence. Chief Minister Sawant stressed the government’s ambition to make Goa a ‘Swayampurna Agricultural Hub’ and contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat.
Key Highlights of the Policy:
- Institutional Changes and Board Creation: The government is establishing the Goa State Coconut, Cashew, and Mango Development Board, drawing inspiration from similar central government institutions. This initiative aims to support the growth of key agricultural products in the state.
- Sugarcane Procurement System: In a bid to streamline procurement, notifications on sugarcane rates will be issued, facilitating direct delivery of produce from farmers to factories, ensuring fair compensation.
- Farmer Welfare and Support: The government has already distributed 17,000 Kisan Credit Cards and plans to expand this initiative. The proposed New Goa Farmers Welfare Act will ensure livelihood security for farmers and simplify governmental processes.
- Environmental Protection and Pollution Control: The policy emphasizes environmental sustainability, empowering the Goa State Pollution Control Board to take action against entities polluting agricultural lands and water bodies.
- Agro-Tourism and Cash Crop Promotion: The policy aims to boost agro-tourism by developing at least 4000 sqm of land for such ventures. Additionally, new cash crops like avocado, rambutan, and pomelo will be introduced to diversify the agricultural offerings of Goa.
- Farmer Education and Knowledge Sharing: Plans to establish farmer field schools and demonstration farms will enhance agricultural knowledge and practices. These initiatives will contribute to improved productivity and sustainable farming methods.
- Consultative Development Process: Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik highlighted that the policy was shaped through extensive consultations, with over 189 meetings and input from 3,700 stakeholders. Feedback from all panchayats has been integrated into the policy to address the needs of every region.
- Gender and Youth Inclusion: The policy envisions greater participation of women and youth in the agricultural sector, alongside promoting fair labor practices. An inclusive agricultural ecosystem is central to the policy’s vision, prioritizing the welfare of farmers and ensuring their long-term prosperity.
- Focus on Sustainable Practices: With the aim of reducing post-harvest losses and building a robust supply chain, the policy introduces measures for waste management, pollution control, and better legal frameworks to regulate the sector effectively.
The Goa State Amritkal Agriculture Policy 2025 promises to create a thriving agricultural ecosystem that balances modernization with sustainability while fostering a positive future for farmers and agricultural stakeholders across the state.
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Source : Krishi Jagran
