My reading a few years ago on Goa's economy (employing major segments of the populace and paying taxes) were three basic components - Mining, Agriculture and Tourism. More recently it is my reading / understanding that mining has been brought to a standstill. Ships carrying Goa's ore are literally rusting in Goa's harbors. One of the main pillar of Goa's economy should be agriculture. However, few months ago, as I read about Goa, I was surprised to learn Goa had to IMPORT RICE from Burma during the 1960s blockade. I am not sure about current domestic production and importation of rice from other parts of India. A few days ago, I recollect reading the state's agricultural minister bemoaning the fact that Goans are not taking to agriculture; despite numerous incentives the govt is offering agriculture. Tourism as a region's major industry is not new. Hawaii, Monaco, and several Caribbean island-countries etc are some of the many many regions in the world much dependent on tourism. Hence Goa and Goans have to compete with other tourist destinations for the vacation travelers as well as for the diaspora Goans and that includes their own relatives. Most places use tourism to financially boost and enhance their native culture with repeated performance of traditional dances, culinary practices, clothes, music, etc. etc. So I am at a loss to know why only in Goa do the otherwise smart natives find it difficult to use / exploit tourism to their advantage? Regards, GL
