The Seminar on jatropha got converted into a lively interaction between various interest groups. The Rajya Sabha MP, Prof. Eduardo Faleiro, participated in the interaction. He even asked the participants to finalise resolutions, group them for action by 1. the line departments like Forest and Agriculture,2. research organisations like ICAR,3. state bureaucracy,4. State Government/Executive and 5. Central government and forward them to the appropriate body for action.
One of the points raised was that agricultural loans carry an interest of 11 or 12% while housing loans are available at 7 % from the banks inspite of all the rhetoric about the pro-farmer banking policies. The MP agreed to take up the matter with the Central/Federal Government along with the two Lok Sabha MPs from Goa. Both he and the North Goa MP, Shripad Naik have done a stint in the Federal Ministry of Finance. They can put this experience and the contacts to good use now. The Forest Department, which is the designated department in Goa for NOVOD Board schemes in Goa, will have to formulate a proposal to encourage jatropha cultivation. The Agriculture Dept. and ICAR can support the transfer of technology and extend horticultural schemes for irrigation,etc where Jatropha is used for perimeter hedges/ live fences or as supports for vines and vanilla.. Plants are available at Pilar nature Farm. At a seed rate of 6 kg. per hectare and seed cost of Rs.6/- per kg, one needs only Rs.36/- per hectare towards seed cost. Viva Goa. Miguel ----- Original Message ----- From: "Miguel Braganza" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > There will be a day long seminar on Jatropha curcas, the bio-diesel source > tested by Mercedes on Indian roads on Thursday 26 May, 2005 from 10.00 A.M. > onwards at PILAR NATURE FARM, Old Goa road, off Agacaim-Goa Velha road at > Pilar motorcycle stand, Pilar-Goa. > > The event will be inaugurated by Prof.Eduardo Faleiro,MP,Rajya Sabha. > Technical officers from ICAR and > Directorate of Agriculture, Department of Forests and others have confirmed > their participation. For details refer to oHERALDo dated 25 May, 2005 page 5. Miguel
