Panaji: The long-delayed Krishi Ghar project in Quepem was at the centre of an intense discussion in the Goa Legislative Assembly, with lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition benches raising concerns over the stalled progress and the project’s current location, which many deemed inaccessible to farmers.
MLA Nilesh Cabral urged the government to shift the project to a more farmer-friendly location. He informed the House that he has identified alternative land closer to the highway, which he said would be far more accessible for the farming community.
“Farmers should not be made to walk long distances. The site must be chosen with their convenience in mind,” Cabral asserted.
MLA Altone D’Costa, who was among the first to highlight the issue in the Assembly, supported the proposal for relocation. However, he cautioned that the change in location must not delay the laying of the foundation stone.
“We want the project, but not at the cost of further delays,” D’Costa said.
Responding to the discussion, Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik informed the House that although a tender had been issued earlier, the selected contractor had abandoned the work mid-way. He assured that the government would now re-tender the project to ensure timely implementation.
Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant assured MLAs that officials would soon conduct a site inspection of the newly proposed location and take an appropriate decision. He further stated that the foundation stone for the Krishi Ghar would be laid by the end of October.
Adding to the debate, Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao called for greater focus on agricultural infrastructure, stating that farmers deserve better support systems. In response, Minister Naik reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing farming activity and boosting farmers’ income through initiatives such as the Krishi Ghar.
With growing pressure from across party lines, the government now appears set to fast-track the long-stalled project, aligning it with the actual needs of the farming community.
