PANAJI: Farmers cultivating land in mining-affected areas of Goa are likely to receive additional financial assistance under a proposed ₹2 crore subsidy scheme being prepared by the Directorate of Agriculture.
The proposal provides ₹1 crore each for eligible farmers in North Goa and the Kushavati area, with the funds expected to come from the respective District Mineral Foundation Trusts.
Under the proposed scheme, farmers holding valid Krishi Cards could receive an additional 5%, 10% or 15% subsidy, depending on the agriculture scheme or input for which assistance is sought.
The move comes amid growing concerns over the impact of the deficient monsoon on agriculture. Goa recorded an estimated 32% rainfall deficit between June and September, while North Goa faced a shortfall of around 36.8%, according to India Meteorological Department data.
The additional assistance would be over and above existing subsidies offered by the Agriculture Department. Current schemes provide subsidies ranging from 50% to as high as 90%, depending on the activity, including crop protection, mechanisation, horticulture, irrigation, organic farming, dairy development and micro-irrigation.
For eligible farmers under the North Goa District Mineral Foundation Trust, the additional benefit would be capped at ₹20,000 per beneficiary.
Applications will be scrutinised by the Agriculture Directorate, with approved assistance transferred directly to beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
The Managing Committee has supported enhanced assistance for farmers in mining-affected areas and directed that the proposed scheme remain operational until March 2027, while retaining the ₹20,000 ceiling.
