From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network—Panaji (CN)

Panaji, Feb 3: Goa Governor S S Sidhu said that the state envisages 12.1 per cent growth in the 11th five-year plan.
 
“The planning commission has approved an outlay of Rs 1737.65 crore for the year 2008-09. The 11th five-year plan envisages 12.1 per cent growth rate for the state. The state aims to have fast and all inclusive growth”, said the Governor.
 
Sidhu was addressing the Goa Legislative assembly session which began this afternoon.
 
The Governor was ceremoniously received at the state legislative assembly hall in the afternoon by speaker Pratapsingh Rane, leader of the house Digamber Kamat, and leader of opposition Manohar Parrikar.
 
In his speech, the Governor expressed happiness over the performance of the government and said that the state government has taken all steps to protect the agriculture sector.
 
“Agriculture is a major economic activity. Government has taken all steps to protect agriculture sector and the department is implementing various schemes. The government has ensured that basic price is produced by providing support price,” said the Governor.
 
He said that horticulture which provides rural employment has been given attention.

“The programmes of the coconut development board are implemented in the state”, he said.
 
The Governor said that efforts were focused on eco-restoration and soil conservation. “The state implements national water shed development programmes. The best farmer awards are also instituted at the state and taluk level”, he said.
 
The Governor told the house that Tillari irrigation project, which is under construction on the Goa-Maharashtra border, would be completed by May 2010. “Tillari irrigation project is aimed at creating ultimate irrigation potential for the state besides providing 107.03 million cubic litre of water for domestic and non-agricultural purposes”, he added.