Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Oct 7: Goa has achieved 50% self-sufficiency in vegetable and flower production, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced, marking a significant step toward local agricultural resilience.

Speaking at a recent event, CM Sawant emphasized the need to utilize fallow land across the state for fodder cultivation, pointing out that Goa spends crores of rupees annually on importing fodder. “If we grow our own, we save big and support local farmers,” he said.

In a direct appeal to the state’s youth, the chief minister issued a stern warning: if younger generations continue to distance themselves from farming, future generations may abandon agriculture altogether. This, he said, would put Goa’s food security at serious risk.

Sawant urged young people to view agriculture not just as a tradition, but as a viable, modern career path. “We must build a culture of self-reliance in farming — from food crops to flowers to fodder,” he added.

The state’s push toward agricultural self-sufficiency aligns with broader national goals of sustainable farming and reduced import dependence.