Rane for privatising ports in Goa, boosting agriculture through PPP

Panaji, Feb 12 (UNI) Chief Minister Pratapsinh Rane today indicated that the Goa government is contemplating to privatise ports in the state on the lines of France to enhence its exchequer.

Addressing the members of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and top officers of the Yes Bank, after releasing the Bank's knowledge report ''The New Growth Destination: Goa'' here, Mr Rane said Goa could earn more revenue if it an privatised the ports, thereby offering more berthing facilities to foreign vessels/yachts.

This will be in concurrence with the 60-page report that favoured strengthening the concept of public-private partnership (PPP) for growth in different sectors, he noted.

The chief minister said he had inquired about the private ports in France recently. But the constraint in the state was lack of enough trained mariners to man the private ports.

Referring to lower response to farming in Goa, he said provision of microcredit to farmers through bank's extension network using the PPP model would go a long way to boost agriculture.

He said the government has decided to introduce ''contract farming'' in a big way to boost agriculture using ''modern tools''.

Appreciating the role of the SIDBI, which has been extending micro-credit to women's self-help groups in the state, Mr Rane said this could be emulated by public-private participation of banks.

Stressing the need for focused approach on encouraging floriculture and horticulture, he said the proposed legislation on contract farming would go a long way for opening agri-export zones.

The chief minister observed that there was a large scope for partnership with private banks for development of the state, where different banks received Rs 19,000 crore as deposits.

Speaking on the occasion, Goa Planning Commission chairman Ramakant Khalap urged the Yes Bank authorities to translate the Knowledge Report into practice for fruitful enterprises in the state.

GCCI president Nitin Kunkolienkar said the Chamber has continued to support any development venture of the state government. Promotion of hinterland and river tourism could go a long way in Goa, he added.

UNI