Once considered a unique and eco-friendly agricultural practice in Goa, orchid farming is now on the brink of extinction. Farmers involved in this delicate horticultural venture say they are receiving little to no ongoing support from the Agriculture Department, putting their efforts—and the future of orchid cultivation in the state—in jeopardy.
Satish Gaonkar from Tudva, Netravali, is among the last few remaining orchid farmers. Since 2017, he has been growing orchids in a polyhouse structure built under government subsidy through the State Structure Scheme and the National Horticulture Mission. While the initial support helped him get started, Satish says there has been no follow-up assistance since.
Despite steady market demand for orchids, Satish cannot expand his operation due to a lack of financial aid. "The subsidy only covers the initial setup," he explained. "Any further development has to come out of my own pocket."
Maintaining a polyhouse is an expensive affair. Even minor damage—to the netting, lining paper, or internal mechanisms—requires immediate repairs, often with materials that aren't readily available in Goa and must be sourced from other states. Expert assistance is also unavailable through government channels, forcing farmers to hire specialists from outside the state at high cost.
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