“Goa Must Grow Local, Make Local, Buy Local and Sell Local,” Says CM Dr. Pramod Sawant
Mumbai, 17th August, 2026: Goa has stepped up its ‘Vocal for Local’ drive under the Swayampurna Goa initiative. The Department of Agriculture has launched a 90 day programme to promote local agricultural products and support agri entrepreneurs. The initiative aims to create greater market opportunities for farmers and local enterprises.
The programme builds on the message “When Goa Chooses Local, Goa Grows.” Over the next 90 days, farmers, agricultural institutions, agri-entrepreneurs and other stakeholders will come together to promote local products. The programme will focus on production, processing, value addition, branding and marketing, with an exhibition showcasing agricultural products and initiatives as part of the campaign.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant said the campaign is an important step towards giving greater recognition to products grown and made in Goa. He said the initiative aligns with the State’s Amrit Kaal Agricultural Policy, emphasizing integrated agriculture promotion, organic farming and creating more opportunities across the agricultural sector.
Building on this vision, Dr. Sawant urged people to “grow local, make local, buy local and sell local.” He stressed that local production needs to be supported by demand, value addition and better market access. He also highlighted the role of agri-entrepreneurs and farm products under the RDA framework, saying Goan products should have the potential to reach markets beyond the State.
To further strengthen this ecosystem, CM Dr. Sawant said the Government is looking at forming Cashew, Bamboo and Mango Boards in the future. He also highlighted the potential for greater use of coir and other local resources. Dr. Sawant thanked ICAR for preserving different varieties of rice and stressed the importance of protecting Goa’s agricultural heritage. He also mentioned Sanjay Patil, recipient of the Padma Shri, and highlighted efforts towards securing GI tags for Taleigao Brinjal, Bhene and other Goan agricultural products.
The 90-day campaign will now provide a platform for farmers, local enterprises and other stakeholders to showcase their products and explore opportunities in processing, branding and marketing. Through the campaign, the Department of Agriculture will seek to build greater awareness around Goan products and encourage consumers to choose locally produced goods.
The programme was attended by Nikhil Desai, IAS, Agriculture Secretary ; Dr. Parveen Kumar, ICAR; Chandrahas Desai, Director of Agriculture; Principal, Goa College of Agriculture; representatives of ICAR and the Department of Agriculture; farmers, agri-entrepreneurs and other stakeholders.
