Agricultural Schemes explained at Taleigao (Durgawadi)

This is the second major legal literacy Programme that Taleigao (Durgawadi) Free Legal Aid Cell of V.M.Salgaocar College of Law has taken up during 2015-16. A survey conducted by the students revealed the need for an awareness campaign on Agricultural Schemes in the area. The programme was held on 26th February 2016 at Kshetrapal Damodar Temple, Taleigao, Goa. Prof. Dr. Shabir Ali, the faculty in charge attended the programme.

Dr. Shabir Ali (Faculty in charge), Mr. Nelson Figuerido (Deputy Director, Dept of Agriculture) and
Ms. Kiran Rai (Student in charge)  and members of Taleigao  Free Legal Aid Cell

Mr. Nelson Figueredo speaks on Agricultural Schemes:  The guest speaker, Mr. Figueredo, Deputy Director of Department of Agriculture, Govt. of Goa began his talk by asking the gathering as to what crops they cultivate as each crop has a different scheme applicable. Locals responded that they mostly grow local variety of chillies and alsane . Allthe schemes relating to chillies n alsane were explained which included the discount on seeds that could be availed by them. He informed that demand for local variety of chillies is very high, may it be fresh or dry. He encouraged the locals to cultivate them on a larger scale and earn profits out of it.

Importance of Krishi Card: Now to avail such scheme and discout on seed one must have " Krishi Card" . Without krishi card people cannot avail seed or other benefits provided by agriculture department. Mr.Nelson Figueredo explained the procedure and document required to make Krishi card . Krishi card is not meant only for farmers but also People who have coconut Bhatt can apply for Krishi cards and schemes are available on coconut saplings And manure for the trees. Manure and fertilisers are available for discounted rate for Krishi card holders. 

Schemes/funds for boundaries, cattle, irrigation, vegetable in pots,  horticulture: Other than scheme for seeds n manure, there are schemes or funds available for putting up boundaries for the farming lands , special bobbed wires are provided by the agriculture department. Special scheme are provided for farmers that have cattles , which they use  for agriculture purpose. Irrigation service is provided by the department. Agriculture department has come up with new technique of keeping pest away from crops. A special paper is introduced, which should be placed in between the crops and after which pests get killed and crops are safe. The Speaker encouraged the local people to take up more of agriculture than any other work . He gave many examples as to how people are doing well in this field . One of the example was of a boy from Valpoi who took a plot on rent and cultivated lady fingers on it and earned more than any other local farmer from the village. Hisproduce uses to get sold in no time. Similarly people who stay in flats and houses who don't have field can plant vegetable plants in vase eg. Tomatoes , chillies, brinjal, mint etc . Saplings are available at agriculture department. Other than vegetable and pluses various floral plants are also available.Various business idea like cultivating such crops and later selling it to horticulture departments etc were explained.

The audience has many queries  relating to their farming lands , irrigation etc, which were clarified by Mr. Figueredo. 

Mr. Mangurishi Usgaokar, member of the Legal Aid Cell proposed vote of thanks.