New agriculture policy likely to boost horticulture through contract farming

Panaji: Goa’s new agricultural policy, unveiled on Tuesday, is likely to open new avenues for horticulture crop cultivation with the possible introduction of contract farming in the state.

According to Chandrahas Desai, the managing director of Goa State Horticulture Corporation Limited (GSHCL), the policy could benefit farmers and landlords by introducing legal structures for contract farming.

“Presently, Goa lacks a formal contract farming law, which has resulted in hesitation among farmers and landowners to enter into agreements. The fear of losing control over land to external farmers has stifled opportunities for cultivating underused agricultural land. However, the new policy, once approved by the cabinet and supported by necessary legal amendments, will make it possible to lease land for farming without granting ownership rights,” Desai said.

He further said that the introduction of a contract farming law would pave the way for a rise in vegetable production in the state. “This policy could prove especially advantageous for people who own paddy fields in rural areas but have moved to the urban areas. Under the new provisions, these barren lands can be brought back into production while easing the burden on landowners,” he added.

A major highlight of the new policy is the formation of state boards for key cash crops in Goa—mango, cashew, and coconut.

“There will be a more intensive and focused programme on these horticulture crops. There are national boards for mango, cashew, and coconut, and once the Goa state boards are set up, they can access funding from these national bodies to support local farmers,” he said.

In terms of vegetable production, Goa is already a strong producer of cucumber, okra, cluster beans, green chilli, and bottle gourd, which thrive well in the state’s climate and laterite soil.