Date: 1 February 2026 State President of Bharatiya Janata Party, Goa Pradesh, Shri Damodar (Damu) Naik welcomed the Union Budget, saying it reflects the practical and people-oriented approach of the Government. Shri Damu naik said the Budget has several positive provisions and, more importantly, gives a new direction to Goa, especially in promoting and supporting cashew and coconut, which are closely linked with the State’s identity and traditional livelihoods. Shri Damu naik said that Goa is known for coconut and cashew. “When people think of Goa, they see coconut trees in every corner. Likewise, when one hears about cashew, Goa immediately comes to mind. Both these crops are part of Goa’s heritage and have supported generations of farmers and workers,” he said.

Welcoming the Budget’s focus on cashew and coconut, Shri Damu naik said the use of AI and technology for land mapping, productivity improvement, and better planning is a timely step. He added that this will help farmers achieve better yields, reduce losses, and plan cultivation in a more scientific manner, while also protecting traditional crops and increasing farmers’ income. Shri Damu Naik said Goa has traditionally been known for cashew cultivation and processing, but in recent years, cashew farmers have faced serious difficulties due to rising costs, low productivity, and competition from imported raw cashew. He said the Union Budget’s emphasis on high-value agriculture and a dedicated programme for cashew will give a much-needed boost to cultivation, processing, and value addition. The vision to make Indian cashew a premium global brand by 2030 will directly benefit Goan farmers, workers, and small entrepreneurs, reduce dependence on imports, and revive the traditional cashew sector in Goa.

Speaking on coconut, Shri Damu Naik said it is equally important for Goa’s heritage, culture, food habits, rituals, and rural economy. Many coconut farmers are struggling due to old and unproductive trees. The Coconut Promotion Scheme announced in the Budget, including replacement of ageing trees with high-yielding varieties, will help increase production, improve farmers’ income, and strengthen the rural economy, ensuring coconut farming remains viable for future generations.

Shri Damu naik also highlighted key national initiatives announced in the Budget, including higher capital expenditure, which has been increased to ₹12.2 lakh crore to boost infrastructure and economic growth; dedicated rare earth corridors and a focus on critical minerals to strengthen technology value chains; the launch of India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 to build domestic semiconductor manufacturing and ecosystem; and the ‘BioPharma Shakti’ programme with ₹10,000 crore to develop India as a global biopharma manufacturing hub.

Shri Damu naik welcomed the importance given to the Blue Revolution and Matsya Sampada Yojana, stating that fishing is one of Goa’s oldest and most important traditional occupations. He said these initiatives will support fishermen community, improve infrastructure, and increase income in coastal areas.

Shri Damu Naik said tourism is the backbone of Goa’s economy and welcomed the Budget’s provisions for the sector. He said the proposal to set up hospitality colleges and training centres will help create skilled manpower, while training 10,000 tourist guides will open new employment opportunities for Goan youth and improve the overall tourist experience.

Shri Naik further said the Budget’s focus on SMEs and MSMEs, including the ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund and additional Self-Reliant India Fund, will help small businesses, entrepreneurs, and local industries in Goa. He also welcomed the support for women, through schemes for Nari Shakti and the proposal for girls’ hostels, which will strengthen women’s participation in education and the workforce.
This Budget strengthens women’s empowerment by expanding the Lakhpati Didi programme and introducing SHE Marts, community-owned outlets that help women entrepreneurs sell products and build their businesses. Girls’ hostels in every district will support education, while these measures will provide women better access to finance, stable income, and opportunities to grow enterprises.
Further added that this Budget moves beyond small income support to real economic empowerment for women. He added that this Budget will be a turning point for Goa, protecting traditional sectors while creating new jobs and growth opportunities.

Shri Damu Naik expressed his sincere thanks to Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman Ji and said that under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji and National President Shri Nitin Nabin Ji, this Budget marks a new beginning, especially for cashew and coconut, at the start of the new year, bringing fresh hope for farmers, youth, and the people of Goa.

SHRI DAMODAR (DAMU) NAIK
President
Bharatiya Janata Party, Goa Pradesh