PANAJI: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday advised farmers to intercrop turmeric in their cashew orchards, reiterating that the government would stop buying veggies from neighbouring states.

Sawant says that because the state is dependent on other states for its vegetable supply, intercropping could be beneficial. We will benefit if we plant cashew trees and grow intercrop on unused land, he said.

"In Horticulture Corporation, a "buy back" system has been implemented. From now on, let's stop importing veggies from other states and offer Goan farmers the same subsidies that are being given to farmers in other states "Here, he said.

"Our grandparents and predecessors planted the cashew trees that are present today. What we are doing at the moment is selling the products that were produced. We might have only increased it by 10%. But since cashew trees currently yield in just three years, increasing it to 50% will be beneficial to us" , he said.

The cashew is a simple crop that has become well-known both in our own nation and elsewhere. To benefit from it, we must take use of it and expand cashew plantation productivity," the chief minister said.

He said, cashew is a cash crop that may generate income within three years. "Even intercropping is a possibility. Goa has relatively little of it. I had given authorities orders to encourage the growing of turmeric as an intercrop in cashew plantations "said he.

Sawant emphasised the importance of becoming "swayampurn" Goa (self-sufficient) and promised that the government will help farmers in all ways, from providing loans to buying their produce. "Our diet is entirely dependent on veggies from Belgavi, Karnataka. We now prefer the flavour of imported goods over those that have always been grown locally. This is true "Recently, Sawant said.

Around 1,300 vendors in the state sell vegetables through Goa State Horticultural Corporation Ltd (GSHCL). GSHCL supplies these sellers by purchasing veggies from other states.

"We will receive a favourable rate from the Horticulture Corporation if we enhance local vegetable output (to farmers). Horticulture Corporation will stop importing veggies from other states and will exclusively buy locally grown vegetables in the coming days "He said.

"Farmers receive a subsidy of 20 crore rupees annually. Whom do we provide the subsidy to? What kinds of vegetables do farmers from other states give us? If I tell about quality, then reporters will publish it. Hence I will not tell," Sawant said. "If you grow vegetables then this subsidy can be yours," he said.

Cabinet reshuffle likely in Goa, but Nothing decided so far: CM

India towards growth: GST has transformed tax collection

Yogi govt's big announcement for farmers suffering from drought