Goa unveils a new Agricultural Policy with a goal to rejuvenate farming and attract participation of the youth, writes Manguirish Pai Raiker
In a strategic initiative to revitalise its agricultural landscape, the Government of Goa has introduced the Goa State Amrit Kaal Agricultural Policy, 2025.
This Policy aims to transform the state’s agriculture sector by integrating women farmers and the youth, supported by targeted programs and incentives. A key component of the Policy is the promotion of climate-resilient farming techniques to shield Goa’s agriculture from the adverse impacts of climate change. Additionally, the Policy includes the introduction of the ‘New Goa Farmers Welfare Act’, designed to guarantee livelihood security and foster sustainable farming practices, while simplifying government processes for farmers.
The Goa State Amrit Kaal Agricultural Policy 2025 proposes several key measures, including the prevention of conversion of vital agricultural lands, such as ‘rice’, ‘morad’, ‘kher’, and ‘khazan’ fields, into non-agricultural uses. It further encourages the growth of agri-tourism and the cultivation of emerging cash crops like avocado and grapefruit. The Policy’s comprehensive framework highlights the government’s commitment to modernising the agricultural sector, making it more productive, resilient, and sustainable, while preserving traditional farming practices that have long supported Goa’s agricultural heritage.
A primary focus of the Policy is the development of robust supply chain infrastructure to minimise post-harvest losses and improve market access for farmers. The Policy also acknowledges the rapid changes and challenges in agriculture at both national and global levels, including shifting consumer demands, climate change, and stagnating agricultural land. The need for innovation-driven approaches to address these emerging challenges is a central theme, as the state agricultural landscape transitions from subsistence farming to a high-value commercial model. The growing importance of horticulture crops, due to their higher returns and resilience, is also a key area of focus.
The Policy’s vision prioritises the creation of an ecosystem that supports farmer welfare, ensures equitable labour conditions, and encourages greater participation of women and youth in agriculture. It promotes innovation by assuring support for agricultural innovators, while also establishing skill development programs for farm workers tailored to specific agricultural practices. Emphasising climate-resilient techniques, the Policy highlights the adoption of modern methods such as hydroponics, integrated farming, and other sustainable approaches. It also introduces plans to support the cultivation of high-yielding cash crops, including avocado, rambutan, grapefruit, and pomelo.
Another significant aspect of the Policy is the promotion of agri-tourism, allowing farmers with at least 4,000 square meters of land to engage in this emerging sector. Zoning regulations will be enforced to designate specific areas for agro-tourism development.
In addition to traditional crops such as cashew, mango, and areca nut, the Policy encourages the cultivation of new crops like avocado, rambutan, grapefruit, and pomelo. The establishment of farmer information centers across Goa and the creation of a Farmer Welfare Fund Board to address the needs of agricultural workers are other critical measures. A special fund to support distressed farmers will also be established.
The Policy underscores the growth of agricultural mechanisation, with farmers increasingly adopting modern agricultural equipment for various tasks such as tilling, sowing, irrigation, and plant protection. The emphasis on mechanisation aligns with the Policy’s goals of enhancing efficiency and productivity in the sector. Additionally, the Policy focuses on strengthening farmer collectives, improving access to markets, credit, and insurance and diversifying income through value addition and agro-tourism. By reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing market connectivity, the Policy aims to boost the rural economy, increase farm income, and make agriculture a more attractive career choice for the younger generation.
The Goa State Amrit Kaal Agricultural Policy 2025 reflects the state’s vision of transforming its agricultural sector into a modern, productive, sustainable, and inclusive pillar of the economy.
“Outsiders are coming into Goa in droves to buy our land, including agricultural fields. We should protect our land for posterity. Our future generations should get the land of our ancestors for cultivation. If the State is turned into a concrete jungle, Goa will feel the heat of climate change. We have done the Agriculture Policy for Goa for the first time. It will be notified after the cabinet approval” 
RAVI S. NAIK Agriculture Minister
