Chinchinim locals for cash crops

Canacona: At a recent gram sabha of the Chinchinim-Deussua panchayat, villagers spoke about the need for community fencing and that farmers should be encouraged to grow cash crops. While they opposed contract farming, members also said that conversion of agricultural land should not be allowed.

The Farmers’ Club of Chinchinim stated that mangroves which have come up in paddy fields should be cleared to facilitate farmers to cultivate their fields. They demanded that subsidies to farmers be released on time. They said that facilities were needed for drying and storing paddy and that farmers should not be asked to file lengthy forms for schemes.

Members stated that associations, farmers’ clubs and societies who are active in farming should be adequately funded. They also stressed that bunds should be strengthened.