Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji
Panaji, May 23: In a landmark move to rejuvenate Goa's traditional ecosystems and promote sustainable livelihoods, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Thursday announced a new government scheme aimed at reviving the state's age-old salt pans. The initiative will be implemented under the Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) and was unveiled during the International Day for Biodiversity 2025 celebrations held in Sanquelim.
The Chief Minister, while addressing the gathering, underlined the historical and ecological significance of Goa’s salt pans—locally known as mithache agor—and affirmed the state’s commitment to restoring them through scientific and community-based collaboration.
“Be it khazan farming, kulagars, or sacred groves, Goa’s biodiversity is woven into its heritage. With support from CSMCRI Bhavnagar and experts like Prof Savita Kerkar, the state will revive salt pans focusing on local bio-salt production, ecological restoration, and revival of livelihoods,” CM Sawant said.
The scheme is expected to not only bring back the once-thriving traditional salt production but also offer economic opportunities for local communities, especially in rural areas.
Highlighting the government's multifaceted approach to biodiversity, CM Sawant informed that the state’s GoVan multi-processing centres, which utilise natural produce, are now operational in Kudne, Pissurlem, Bhironda, Mayem, Pilgao, Verna, Dabhal, Sulcorna, and Uguem, with two more centres coming up in Sancorda and Rivona.
These centres, run and managed by women, aim to empower rural communities while tapping into Goa's rich biodiversity.
“These units promote local entrepreneurship while ensuring sustainable use of natural resources. They are a shining example of how conservation and livelihood can go hand in hand,” he added.
As part of the Biodiversity Day celebrations, the government also felicitated several individuals and community groups who have been actively involved in biodiversity preservation across Goa. Their dedication, CM Sawant said, continues to inspire grassroots action in safeguarding the state’s unique ecological fabric.
With the salt pan revival scheme, the state government is poised to blend ecological conservation with rural upliftment, setting a precedent for biodiversity-based sustainable development.