Goa Information Blog

Goa Agriculture

Goa, situated between the Arabian Sea and Western Ghats is an agriculturally backward state of the country due to its geographic location. The state has very less cultivable land to produce food grains for its people. The coastal areas are not suitable for cultivation while the inland areas do not produce much. However, the government has done much to improve the production. Apart from its own production, Goa depends on neighboring states Maharashtra and Karnataka to fulfill its demand.

Paddy is the major agricultural crop in Goa followed by ragi, cashew and coconut. The important crops are ragi, maize, bajra, jowar and pulses. Crops like coconut, arecanut,mango, cashew-nut, banana, jackfruit, pineapple are also grown. Cashew is an important crop in Goa. An invigorating drink, Feni is made from cashew. A variety of mangoes like Xavier, alfonsa, and mussarade are also grown. The main sources of water supply for irrigation for winter crops are the rivers, nallahs, streams, wells, tanks and canals. A sizeable population of Goa depends on fishing. It is an important part of Goa’s economy.

Vegetables also form a part of Goa’s agricultural output. Seasonal vegetables like brinjal, lady’s fingers, cucumber, pumpkins, drumsticks, radish, chillies breadfruit and sweet potatoes,and onions are produced in good quantity.