Village youth can be Kisan MItra & earn
GOANEWS DESK, PANAJI | 10 April 2013 14:44 IST
Goan youngsters can get a good job as Kisan Mitra in the village, working on the roll of agriculture department.
Kisan Mitra (Farmer’s Friend) would primarily help the farmers in administrative work, including seeking financial assistance under various schemes floated by the agriculture department.
Chief minister Manohar Parrikar, who also holds agriculture portfolio, has said the department would appoint one youth for two villages.
“Let the farmers’ committees identify the youth, who could help them”, he said.
The CM plans to set up a farmers’ committee of seven members in each village.
According to Parrikar, the Kisan Mitra would function as a vital link between the farmer and the department.
If farmers are not satisfied with his or her performance, they are free to replace the Kisan Mitra, said Parrikar.
Replying to the query raised by Vijay Sardesai, the agriculture graduate, the chief minister said the department would train all the youth as they have not specified any particular specialisation as a qualification for the work.
In order to avoid political appointments, Parrikar told Bicholim MLA Naresh Sawal that the farmers’ committee could recommend three names.
“Then we will choose our political candidate”, said Parrikar in a lighter vein.
The statistical data provided by Parrikar to the Assembly revealed that Goa has recorded almost 23 per cent growth in the farmers, who are coming forward to seek subsidies and invest it into agriculture work.
Compared to 22,000 applications in 2011-12, the department has received 27,000 applications in 2012-13.
The department has also spent Rs 48 crore on subsidies and assistance, compare to only Rs 19 crore the previous year, Parrikar informed.
