PANJIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that the government will promote ragi cultivation in the State under Goan brand developed by Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB).
Interacting with all the newly elected representatives of village panchayats and councillors in virtual mode and via Youtube regarding the Swayampurna Goa 2.0 initiative, the CM called upon them to promote natural farming and ragi cultivation in their respective areas. He said that ragi has nutritious value and in the past about 150 tonnes of ragi was produced in the State. Though its cultivation has now declined, he said that it is still grown in some parts of Bicholim, Salcete and Sanguem talukas and added that the GSBB is ready to purchase ragi cultivated by the local farmers and promote it under Goa Brand.
“The Government of India has declared 2023 as International year of Millets,” he informed.
Stressing on encouraging ‘vocal for local’ initiative, the Chief Minister requested them to support locals preparing articles like akash kandils and local products during Diwali and to focus on bringing projects that will generate employment in their respective villages.
“Waste from haircutting saloons, sanitary pads and shops selling chicken and meat will be covered under bio-medical waste in future,” he said.
Seeking cooperation of sarpanchas and panchayat members, Sawant asked them to ensure that the hospitals and private doctors having clinics situated in the villages are disposing their medical waste properly.
He said that the government has already entered into an agreement with an agency to treat bio-medical waste and it will soon contact the village panchayats.