Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji
Panaji, Feb 12: In a major policy shift aimed at safeguarding Goa’s agricultural heritage, chief minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday unveiled the Goa Amritkal agriculture policy. A key highlight of the policy is a strict ban on converting agricultural land, particularly paddy fields, for non-agricultural purposes such as residential or commercial development.
Announcing the policy, Sawant emphasized that preserving Goa’s farmland is crucial to maintaining the state’s green cover. “Goa’s fields need to be protected. Even if the Town and Country Planning (TCP) department permits land conversion, we have already passed a law ensuring that paddy land will never be converted,” he stated.
The move comes amid a surge in construction activities in Goa, driven by the growing demand for second homes and holiday properties. In 2023, the state government had already enacted legislation restricting the sale of agricultural land to non-agriculturists to prevent urbanization from encroaching upon Goa’s lush paddy fields and green landscapes.
The Goa Amritkal Agriculture Policy, approved by the state cabinet last week, classifies rice-growing lands into three categories—morod, ker, and khazans, referring to terraced, flat, and reclaimed lands, respectively. The government has made it clear that any land categorized as rice, morod, ker, or khazans in official revenue records (Form I & XIV) will be safeguarded against conversion.
Sawant highlighted that the policy not only focuses on conservation but also integrates modern agricultural techniques to boost productivity and sustainability. The policy includes measures to combat the impacts of climate change on farming and revives traditional khazan cultivation by rebuilding bunds and improving soil management for enhanced crop yields.
According to official data, nearly 40% of Goa’s land is agricultural (including orchards), while only 22% is actively used for growing annual crops such as rice and vegetables. The remaining land distribution is as follows:
• Forests (protected, reserved, private, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks) – 34.63%
• Coastal land – 10.8%
• Water bodies (rivers, lakes, reservoirs, etc.) – 5.32%
• Land available for construction – Just 10%
With limited land for urban expansion, the state government is now focused on protecting farmland and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
To support farmers and provide them with alternative income sources, the new policy encourages agro-tourism. Farmers owning at least 4,000 square meters of land will be permitted to engage in agro-tourism initiatives. Strict zoning regulations will be implemented to earmark specific areas for agro-tourism ventures, farmer field schools, and demonstration farms.
State agriculture minister Ravi Naik reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that farmers continue cultivating their land instead of selling it for non-agricultural purposes. “The policy is designed to provide all necessary support to farmers. Goa will remain green, and a significant portion of land will be protected from conversion,” he said.
Despite widespread support for the initiative, concerns remain over its execution. Elsa Fernandes, president of the Khazan Society of Goa, welcomed the intent behind the policy but warned against ineffective implementation. “If this policy remains only on paper, nothing will change. The problems in Goa’s agriculture sector have been building up for years and cannot be solved overnight,” she remarked.
She further stressed the need for a bottom-up approach, where local farmers and communities actively contribute to decision-making processes for agricultural revival rather than relying solely on government directives.
With this landmark policy, Goa is taking decisive steps toward preserving its agricultural identity while balancing economic development with environmental sustainability. However, its success will depend on stringent enforcement and grassroots participation.