New ZAO Building Inaugurated in Valpoi, Strengthening Agricultural Services for Sattari Farmers.
Sattari, Goa: The new Zonal Agriculture Office (ZAO) building in Valpoi was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant, marking an important step towards strengthening agricultural infrastructure and enhancing the delivery of services to farmers in Sattari taluka.
The new facility aims to provide a better working environment for agriculture department officials while ensuring improved accessibility, smoother coordination and more efficient delivery of government schemes and services to the farming community.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Pramod Sawant reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening agricultural infrastructure under the leadership of the BJP government and its vision of the Double Engine Sarkar. He emphasised that investments in public infrastructure must translate into tangible benefits for farmers, enabling them to access government assistance and agricultural services more efficiently.
Dr. Sawant also highlighted plans to strengthen administrative infrastructure in the region, including the development of a new Block Development Office (BDO) and Deputy Collector’s Office. These proposed facilities are aimed at improving the accessibility and efficiency of government services, ensuring that residents can access essential administrative support closer to home.
The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of initiatives such as the Krishi Card and Soil Health Card in supporting farmers. He noted that assessing the condition of agricultural land and soil health would help the department provide appropriate assistance and ensure that farmers benefit from relevant government schemes.
Dr. Sawant also spoke about the government’s continued efforts to address land-related concerns under the Forest Rights Act. With approximately 10,000 applications received, he reiterated the government’s commitment to examining applications and relevant documents to ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive their rightful land rights in accordance with the law.
Addressing concerns relating to Alvara land recorded in the names of other individuals, the Chief Minister assured that efforts would be made to examine such cases and assist eligible individuals in resolving their land-related issues.
Dr. Sawant encouraged the Agriculture Department to continue working with dedication and a farmer-centric approach, stressing that improved infrastructure, effective implementation of schemes and responsive administration would contribute significantly to the welfare of the farming community.
Speaking on the occasion, Local MLA Smt. Deviya Rane expressed her appreciation for the continued support of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant, in sanctioning the newZAO building. She also paid tribute to the contributions of the late Shri Ravi Naik, former Agriculture Minister, acknowledging his role in advancing the interests of the agricultural sector.
Dr. Deviya Rane highlighted that the new building would strengthen the functioning of the Agriculture Department in Sattari by providing officers with improved facilities and enabling them to serve farmers more effectively. She emphasised that accessible agricultural infrastructure is essential for ensuring that farmers receive timely guidance, assistance and the benefits ofvarious government initiatives.
The inauguration was attended by Shri Nikhil Dessai, Secretary, Directorate of Agriculture; Shri Vishwanath Gawas, ZAO, Valpoi; Zilla Panchayat members of Sattari; Smt. Prasanna Gawas, Chairperson, Valpoi Municipal Council; Councillors of the Valpoi Municipal Council; Sarpanches and Panchayat Members from Sattari taluka; and Shri Vinod Shinde, along with other officials and members of the local community.
The inauguration of the new ZAO building represents a significant step towards strengthening agricultural administration in Sattari, reinforcing the government’s commitment to farmer welfare, improved public infrastructure and the effective delivery of agricultural services at the grassroots level.
