With iron ore mining industry in the state of Goa closed, mining areas are witnessing the return of farmers to the fields, according to the Goa State Horticulture Corporation (GSHC). Therefore, the Corporation is anticipating a significant increase in vegetable cultivation.
Managing director of GSHC Sandeep Faldesai said that farmers, who are coming back to the soil are mainly interested in cultivating vegetables as compared to growing crops: “In the mining belt talukas of Dharbandora, Sanguem, Quepem, Valpoi and Sankhali, we expect vegetable cultivation to significantly increase.”
According to the managing director, thanks to the revival of interest in farming, production of vegetables in the state is set to boom and GSHC’s procurement will increase. “Our target for procurement is 1,200 ton in the ongoing season of 2019-20 from 700 ton in the previous year,” said Faldesai.
To make the most of the farmers’ inclination towards vegetable farming, GSHC has asked the farmers to grow varieties that are in demand such as cucumber, brinjal, cluster beans and bottle guard.
“Farmers prefer growing vegetables because they fetch a good rate and the farmers are assured of steady market through sales to horticulture corporation outlets,” said Faldesai. The Corporation’s procurement rates are based on average rates of the previous year. Farmers are also free to sell in the open market.
