Ground Zero: Farming in Crisis: Goa's Agricultural Dilemma

In Goa, agriculture remains a crucial part of the economy, contributing 3.80% to the state's GDP and supporting thousands of families. However, traditional farming faces significant challenges, exacerbated by recent events, including the Covid-19 pandemic, which prompted many young Goans to consider agriculture as a viable employment option. Despite government initiatives to encourage youth participation, small-scale farmers grapple with difficulties in harvesting and selling their produce.

The ongoing struggle centers around the preservation of ancestral Khajaan land, threatened by the proposed Lotolim-Bori bridge project. Farmers emphasize that their land is not just soil but a core part of their identity, a sentiment echoed by many who prioritize their heritage over financial compensation.

Goa's horticulture, particularly coconut and cashew production, is in decline. A severe disease has decimated coconut palms, while climate change has halved cashew yields in recent years. Farmers are frustrated by inadequate government support and competition from inferior-quality nuts labeled as Goa cashews. The sugarcane industry, once prosperous thanks to the Sanjeevani Sugar Factory, is now uncertain due to its closure, leaving farmers wondering what crop to cultivate next.

Moreover, banana farming, while pursued by some, is threatened by external competition and environmental challenges. Small farmers face an uphill battle against market fluctuations and inadequate transport infrastructure. Laborers, after the harvest season, turn to foraging for jasmine flowers to make ends meet, highlighting the precarious nature of their livelihoods.

Overall, while agriculture remains vital, government focus appears skewed towards foreign investment, neglecting the needs of local farmers and the environment. Climate change further complicates the landscape, making sustainable farming practices more critical than ever.