Agricultural land grab in Goa under the garb of public pupose

The farmers of Goa under the banner of Goenchea Xetkarancho Ekvott in order to highlight the plight of farming community in Goa and as a part of its agitation decided in its first meeting held on 2nd October 2009 at Lohia Maidan Margao had a demonstration at Quepem Municipal Garden on Sunday, February 21, 2010.

That around 100 farmers from different parts of Goa participated in the day long agitation. The farmers also had photo exhibition

Speaking to reporters Goenchea Xetkarancho Ekvott president Deelip Hegde stated that the main purpose of the agitation is to reach to farmers of different part of Goa . He further stated that today, the Goa Government under the garb of public purpose rampantly acquiring prime agricultural land. The acquisition of agricultural land is going on in violation of central policy on agriculture which states that no agriculture land should be acquired unless there is an emergency to do so. The farmers of Goa will unite to fight these injustices.

He further stated that our MLA and ministers who are all way out to sell Goa for their selfish gain have became agents of Mining Companies and Real Estates. In the future all farmers will united fight against the government against the injustice that is being done to them. Such a demonstration will be held in different parts of Goa.

Goenchea Xetkarancho Ekvott Secretary Paul Fernandes stated that today government shout that people are keeping their land barren but the same government does not bother to find out the reason. He stated that most of the land in Salcete which are kept barren is due to stray cattle, the irrigation facility which is provided at the cost of cores of rupees goes in vain if stray cattle problem is solved then the farmers will cultivate their respective land. He further stated that the government is seen doing nothing to implement the Agricultural Tenancy Act which show how little the government is concerned about the farming community.

At the Dharna farmers of different villages shared their views with farmers of other villages.

John Fernandes