Panaji: The directorate of agriculture has announced a crackdown on illegal plant nurseries operating along Goa’s highways, with inspections set to be intensified and legal action initiated against violators.Agriculture director Chandrahas Desai said the department will step up enforcement to ensure all nurseries comply with licensing norms prescribed under the law.“Taluka officers and zonal agricultural officers have been strictly directed to crackdown on illegal plant nurseries. These nurseries operate in a clandestine manner, often disappearing after a day of hawking illegally,” he said.The move follows a representation submitted to the department by the Goa consumer action network alerting the agriculture department about the same.
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Earlier, action was taken by the department in 2023, when showcause notices were issued to illegal private plant nurseries operating across the state. At the time, officials identified 44 unlicensed nurseries.The department charges a licence fee of Rs 1,000 for five years. At the time, the operation of the 44 illegal nurseries had resulted in a revenue loss of Rs 44,000 over the five-year licence period.Under existing rules, all nurseries engaged in the production of fruit plants and ornamental plants are required to register with the agriculture department and obtain a licence through their respective zonal agriculture offices.Desai urged nursery owners operating without valid licences to regularise their establishments at the earliest, warning that those found violating the regulations during inspections would face legal action. “We will issue an order very soon,” he added.
