Konkan to be developed as a hub of agro-tourism

Goan Agriculture Minister Vijay Sardesai calls for an association with Maharashtra to explore the massive possibility of agro-tourism especially in the Konkan region. He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the International Mango Conference held at the Regional Fruit Research Station in Vengurla organized by the Dr Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth and Interdisciplinary Society for Advancements of Agriculture Sciences and Technology (ISasAT).

He urged Maharashtra to follow Goa’s tourism model and in return they could share the particulars on the development in agriculture made by them. He believes this could be a major step in making Konkan region a centre of agro-tourism in the country, highlighting on the power of Brand Goa. The neighbouring states have decided to work on various plans with trying out new methods of mango cultivation which could improve the production. A combined farming system approach for both states in the field on mango cultivation is on plans.

The minister also said the income of farmers can be doubled by 2022 if mangoes are used as the perfect medium, an objective taken up by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He is confident that the plans of state’s agriculture department and the policies framed by his department help the farmers in a significant way.

The directorate of agriculture has set up a stall at the conference venue which showcases varieties of Goan mangoes, varieties from other states, hybrid varieties and their qualities. The traditional Goan value added products are also displayed at the stall. The minister has also asked the international experts to change the focus of their research in order to solve the prolonged issues faced by the farmers. The three-day workshop had delegates comprising of scientists, farmers, students, academicians, consultants, NGOs and policymakers.