Permission must to cut coconut tree; Agro-Milk-Fish funds doubled
GOANEWS DESK, PANAJI | 16 March 2016 22:36 IST
Making it mandatory to take permission to cut a coconut tree, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar has more than doubled the provision for agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries.
The financial allocation of three important primary sectors has been increased from Rs 181.88 crore to Rs 444.20 crore, a rise of almost 144%.
While opposition has been shouting that the government has lifted restrictions on cutting coconut trees, Parsekar today announced orders would be issued shortly to take permission of agriculture department to cut coconut trees.
The government had deleted this provision that existed in the Preservation of Trees Act, which was coming under the ambit of forest department.
On the other hand, he has also increased the support price for coconut to Rs 10 while also deciding to set up Coconut Development Board, headed by a professional and not a politician.
SUBSIDY FOR ORGANIC FARMING
In the budget, Parsekar also announced 50% subsidy for the use of organic inputs by the farmers, in order to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and convert agricultural fields into organic farms.
He also plans to take up organic farming under cluster development in Sanguem, Canacona and Quepem talukas on pilot basis by providing inputs and assistance for infrastructure.
“I intend to develop Government farm at Kalay, as a model organic farm, where all organic activities will be undertaken in a phased manner”, he announced.
In addition, he has also urged the central government to extend its Organic Farming Scheme for North Eastern States also to Goa.
The government has also decided to encourage farmers for integrated farming of Agri-Horticultural Crops, Dairy and Poultry farming while making a provision of Rs 1 crore.
As a unique step, the government has also decided to support young children to develop kitchen gardens in their school backyard or residences through technical and financial support.
GOPAL RATNA AWARD FOR MILK
With milk production reaching 64,000 litres per day, Parsekar has now announced Gopal Ratna Award of Rs 1 lakh who undertakes scientific dairy farming.
He has also proposed Community Dairy farming while providing ultra-modern state of the art infrastructural facilities at estimated cost of Rs 15 crore.
He has also increased the budget of Pashupalan scheme to Rs 4 crore while extending it to Goshalas and NGOs.
The budget for incentives to milk farmers has also been now increased to Rs 30 crore.
Parsekar has also proposed to construct new Veterinary Hospital at Sonsodo at an estimated cost of Rs 4 crore besides new buildings for Veterinary dispensaries at Mollem, Shiroda and Quepem with estimated cost of Rs 1.35 crore each.
ORNAMENTAL FISHING SCHEME
In fisheries sector, Parsekar has proposed youth-centric Ornamental Fish Farming scheme with provision of Rs 2.5 lakh per beneficiary.
In addition, he has also proposed brackish water aquaculture scheme extended to Fresh Water aquaculture.
Ramponkars have also been encouraged with 50% subsidy scheme for purchase of nets while petrol quota of trawlers has been increased to 1700 litres.
He has also announced a new scheme for Crab, Mussel and Oyster farming.
