<p>Margao: The state government intends to develop and promote 'Goa' brand of organic farming through a co-operative model. Jackfruit and cashew nut, apart from lesser known locally cultivated crops like pepper and chilly have been identified by the state agriculture department for cultivation through organic method, agriculture minister Ramesh Tawadkar told TOI recently."The agriculture department has already taken quite a few steps in that direction. Co-operative societies have already been formed in Cotigao, Gaodongrim, Poinguinim, Sristhal and Amona in Canacona. The farmers are being motivated to use vermicomposting and organic manure for the cultivation of these crops," Tawadkar said.Stating that stress would be laid on value-addition for the promotion of organic produce, Tawadkar spoke about the government's plans to start a jackfruit processing plant for the purpose very soon."Jackfruit grows all over Goa and all of Goa's jackfruits are organic. While Goa's cashew is very well known across the world, jackfruit remains underexploited as a food crop, though jackfruit-based products are in great demand the world over. Jackfruit is widely used in baby foods and bakery industries, while jackfruit pulp, chips and powder has extensive uses," Tawadkar said.The jackfruit has high nutritional value as the fruit is rich in potassium, calcium, and iron.Once the Goa brand of jackfruit and jackfruit products begins to hit the market, the ubiquitous fruit will fetch lucrative prices for the farmers, Tawadkar felt.The state government's initiatives in encouraging vegetable cultivation in Goan villages has resulted in the horticulture department procuring 300 tonnes of locally grown vegetables last year. This year's projection is 800 tonnes, he said. Stating that the cultivation of Nisha variety of hybrid chilli promoted by the agriculture department resulted in a bumper crop last year, Tawadkar exuded confidence that Goa's production of chilli would soon cross the targeted production of 10 tonnes per day. Goa's requirement of chilli is over 8 tons per day."Once the co-operative model of organic farming becomes a success, the new generation of youth in the state will eagerly go back to the fields and farms, as it will turn out to be a lucrative career option for them," Tawadkar said.<br></p>