GOA, INDIA - World Trade Centre Goa and Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on World Food Day joined hands to create awareness about hunger challenges and encourage people worldwide to take action in the fight against hunger. farmers They thanked the farmer for giving food to the society. The event was held at Panaji, Goa on 16th October 2015, 5pm. The programme was attended by a large number of farmers and general public.

Mr. Ulhas Kakode,The Director, Agriculture, Government of Goa, congratulated the farmers and spoke on “Social protection and Agriculture”, which aims to underline the role of social protection and plays in reducing chronic food insecurity and poverty by ensuring direct access to food or the means to buy food. "Social protection is, moreover, a viable alternative for stimulating agricultural production and local economic activity. The role of the farmer today should be widened and the Entrepreneurship in the Agricultural domain should be promoted widely.", he said. He urged the farmers to make use of the various Government schemes and benefits. His department was open to ideas and also to help imparting latest knowledge to improvise the skill base of the farmers.

Kakode said that he was particularly pleased with the choice of the topic, which reflects a clear intention to highlight important agriculture- related issues, drawing attention to achievements in rural development and encouraging agricultural food production. In this context, he said, the role played by the farmers is crucial. Farmers are instrumental in the process of fighting hunger and finding concrete remedies that address issues affecting food security and nutrition.

Mr. Narayan Bandekar, President, GCCI, welcomed the gathering and said that just like the way “Jawans (Soldiers)” are guarding the borders of the country, ”Kissans (farmers)” are toiling in the farms to ensure that all are getting their daily meal.

Mr. Manguirish Pai Raiker, Advisor, World Trade Centre Goa, addressed that the farmers must get the justified dues for their produce and respect for all their hard work. They take major risks when they till the land as they have to fight the vagaries of nature as well as the pests and are unsure about the produce at the time of harvesting. "The country is on the path of growth and has achieved world standing because the farmers were able to feed the 1.25 billion people", said Raiker.

PHOTO, L-R: Mr Ulhas Kakode, The Director, Agriculture, Government of Goa, Mr Narayan Bandekar, President, GCCI, Mr Shrirang Jambhale, Principal, Agriculture College, Mr Premanand Mhambrey, President, Chorao Model Farmers Club, Mr Premanand Verenkar, Progressive Farmer, Mr Uday Bhate, Progressive Farmer,Ms Ambika Dhakhenkar, Asst Mgr, WTC Goa and Mr Manguirish Pai Raiker, Advisor, WTC Goa.

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