Panaji: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant conducted an on-site review of the proposed Goa Agriculture College and the existing Fisheries Training Centre in Old Goa on Tuesday. Accompanied by senior officials, Sawant evaluated the progress and discussed strategic plans for transforming the site into a state-of-the-art fisheries education hub.
“Our goal is to upgrade the facility with modern infrastructure, introduce advanced training modules, and encourage innovative practices to empower the local fishing community,” Sawant said.
The existing Fisheries Training Centre will be restructured into a professional fisheries college, equipped with modern lecture halls, dedicated departments specializing in fisheries science, well-equipped laboratories, and other essential facilities, according to the chief minister. He emphasized the importance of expediting the project to ensure that the institute becomes operational by the upcoming academic year.
Sawant also clarified the administrative realignment necessary for the project. “The land is currently split between the directorate of fisheries and the directorate of animal husbandry and veterinary services. This will be consolidated under the State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI), ensuring that the new fisheries institute operates under the agriculture department,” explained Director of Agriculture, Sandeep Faldesai.
While the Goa Agriculture College is temporarily housed within a hall at the Ela Farm, Sawant assured that a dedicated building would be constructed to accommodate the growing needs of students and faculty.
