Mickky promises ZAO for Mormugao Agriculture Minister Francisco Pacheco inaugurated the 'Green Mormugao' Plant Exhibition at the Municipal Garden, Vasco, in the presence of Rajendra Arlekar, MLA; Simon D'Souza, former MLA; Dr.H.Y.Karapurkar, Chairman of Goa State Biodiversity Board and Elvis Gomes, Chief Officer of MMC; among other dignitaries. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Pacheco said that he fully supports the demand of Mormugao Municipal Council and the people of Mormugao taluka that a Zonal Agriculture Office (Z.A.O.)should be established in this taluka as in the other ten talukas of Goa. He welcomed the resolution passed by the MMC on 23 February, 2006, and said that he would have the Z.A.O. established by his Ministry in the next week if the MMC provides office space to house it till alternate premises are found. He then went round the exhibition of flowering,ornamental plants and bonsai as well as the exhibits of Goacan, Pilar Nature Farm, Chemtrol and the plant nurseries.
The exhibition and competitions at GREEN MORMUGAO are open to public.Competitions in Vegetable carving, flower arrangements and watermelon eating will be held on Saturday 04 March from 4 P.M. onwards.Participants have to bring their own materials for the competitions.This will be preceded by a drawing competition for school students in two catergories, Std. V to VII and Std VIII to SSC, for which drawing paper will be provided, at 3.00 P.M.. There is no entry fee. The judging for the first All Mormugao Home Garden competition organised by the St.Andrew's Social Forum, MMC and Botanical Society of Goa was held on 26 February, 2006. The criteria for judging the gardens were : Presentation/Visual impact, health of plants, cleanliness of the garden and care of plants.Bonus points were given for re-use of waste water, composting of garden/kitchen waste and planting/maintenance of road side trees near the competitor's house. The prizes will be given at the GREEN MORMUGAO Plant Exhibition on Sunday, 5 March,2006, at 4.30 P.M. at Parque Infantil/ Children's Park, opposite LaPaz Gardens, Vasco -Goa. Earlier, Mr. Simon D'Souza welcomed the people for the event. Mr. Rajendra Arlekar and Elvis Gomesalso spoke while Fr.Nascimento Mascarenhas, author of the book "Mormugao's Rich Heritage" spoke about the history of the Children's Park in Vasco. Michelle Coelho Organising Secretary, GREEN MORMUGAO Miguel Braganza President Botanical Society of Goa NB: For details contact Mr. Simon D'Souza 9822487832 or Mr. Michael D'Souza at MMC 9823577358 or write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]