Panaji, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday assured Central support to help Goa’s cashew and coconut reach global markets through trade agreements, emphasising that local produce should be branded and exported worldwide.
Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, Union Minister Shripad Naik and others were present on the occasion. “Goa will not import things from outside. India’s Commerce Ministry has said the India-Oman CEPA provides duty-free access for Indian exports covering 98.08 per cent of Oman’s tariff lines, representing 99.38 per cent of India’s export value. The India-EU FTA was concluded in January 2026, but is yet to come into force.
Addressing the ‘Seva Ki Kahani-Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ programme at Ponda, Chouhan said the state’s agricultural products should be produced locally, branded by its youth and marketed across India and the world. Goa will produce here, farmers will produce here, youngsters will do the branding and Goa’s products will be taken not only to the people of Goa but to the whole of India and the entire world,” he said. Referring to India’s trade agreements, the Union minister said such agreements would create opportunities for Indian farmers in overseas markets. “Goa’s cashew and coconut will go to Oman at zero per cent import duty and will also go to all countries of the European Union,” he said.
The event also showcased the state government’s ‘Goa Fresh’ brand aimed at promoting and recognising locally grown agricultural products. The initiative brings local produce under a common identity and focuses on branding and packaging.
