Green and white industries in Goa are being heavily promoted, as these industries cause minimal pollution. The Goa State Pollution Control Board has put a special emphasis on green and white category industries. The Government is eager to promote industrial growth in the state that is aligned with its environmental sustainability goals. Projects in white/ green categories that have potential for high local employment generation and are overall beneficial for the state will be considered as focus sector projects. These projects may be eligible for special incentive packages, facilitation and fast-track clearances.

1. Increase in Eco-Tourism: Many green industry initiatives in Goa, like eco-resorts, alternative energy facilities, and sustainable farming are contributing to the growth of eco-tourism in the state, attracting visitors worldwide.
2. Rich Biodiversity: Green and white industries are profiting from Goa’s rich biodiversity. Many of these industries are based on sustainable use of local natural resources, such as the spice and medicinal plant industries.
3. Growth in Organic Farming: Organic farming, a category of green industries, has seen significant growth in Goa. Many farms are moving towards organic methods, stimulating the local economy and creating jobs.
4. Preservation Efforts: White industries predominantly include those that are pollution free and use clean technology. The focus on these industries aid in preserving Goa’s natural beauty and environment.
5. Sustainable Fishing: Sustainable fishing practices are a part of the green industry, and has been gaining momentum in Goa with the help of government regulations.
6. Recycling Initiatives: The state has been pushing for industries dealing with recycling waste materials which not only help in conserving the environment but also provide economic benefits.
7. Waste Management: There is a rise of industries involved in waste management processes. These largely fall under white industries that aim to recycle and reprocess waste to reduce the environmental impact.
8. Promotion of Renewable Energy: Solar and wind energy industries are being encouraged in the state to reduce reliance on non-renewable sources of energy.
9. Educational Initiatives: Many green and white industries are tied to educational initiatives, like providing training for sustainable farming practices, promoting awareness about renewable energy, and teaching the importance of conservation.

The Government of Goa focuses on the following key policy components to boost Green and White category industries in Goa.

1. Promoting Clean Energy: The Goa government is aiming to encourage the use of renewable energy sources in green and white industries. It is planning to set targets for solar, wind, and other renewable energy generation to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
2. Implementing Strict Environmental Standards: To ensure that these industries don’t harm the environment, the government has outlined strict environmental standards that they need to adhere to. Regular audits and inspections are also on the policy agenda.
3. Encouraging Sustainable Practices: The government is targeting sustainable practices in the green and white industry sector. This includes reducing waste, recycling, and ensuring efficient use of resources.
4. Providing Incentives for Green Industries: To encourage entrepreneurs to set up green and white industries, the government is planning to provide incentives. This could include subsidies, tax breaks, and access to low-interest loans.
5. Developing Infrastructure: The government aims to develop the necessary infrastructure to support the growth of green and white industries. This includes establishing waste management and recycling facilities and creating logistics and supply chain networks that favor green transport.
6. Promoting Eco-Tourism: The government has set targets to develop eco-tourism, which is a green industry. This would involve setting up eco-friendly accommodations and ensuring that the natural elements that attract tourists are well-preserved.
7. Green Education and Training: The government recognizes the need for specialised skill sets in the green industry and thereby plans to create education and training programs focusing on green jobs.
8. Fostering Research and Innovation: To ensure the long-term growth and viability of green and white industries, the government aims to foster research and development in sustainable technologies.
9. Encouraging Organic Farming: The government is aiming to decrease the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides by promoting organic farming, thereby protecting the soil and enhancing biodiversity.
10. Implementing Waste Management Policies: A key focus would be to formulate policies and systems that effectively manage waste. These include prioritizing recycling and promoting the manufacturing of products from recycled materials

The following are the key initiatives taken up by the Government of Goa towards promotion of Green and White Category industries:

1. Goa Electric Mobility Promotion Policy, 2021: focusses on making Goa a model state for Electric Vehicle adoption and creation of world-class charging infrastructure and eco-system. This will reduce the dependency on traditional fuels like petrol and diesel etc.
2. Goa’s Solar Energy Policy: An initiative to reduce dependency on traditional power resources, encouraging energy generation through solar systems. The aim is to reach a height of 150 MW of energy generation through solar power by 2021.
3. Organic Farming Scheme: The Government of Goa promotes organic farming under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY). The scheme supports and promotes organic farming development through the adoption of an organic village approach.
4. Waste Management: To manage the state’s waste problem, the government has inaugurated a solid waste management facility in Saligao. The facility handles and treats waste in a scientific manner, with segregation of waste and composting.
5. Goa’s Sustainable Fishing Policy: The government introduced a policy to encourage sustainable fishing practices focusing on conservation of marine biodiversity and livelihood security of the fishing community.
6. Eco-Tourism Initiatives: The government promotes eco-friendly tourism practices, developing certain sites into ecotourism spots to preserve the natural beauty of Goa while also providing job opportunities for the locals.
7. Water Conservation Initiatives: The government has taken steps to encourage water conservation such as rejuvenating traditional water resources, encouraging water recycling, rainwater harvesting, and efficient irrigation practices in agriculture.
8. Green Building Policies: The government encourages construction of green buildings through incentives and promotional efforts which comply with pre-defined standards of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
9. E-bike Tours Promotion: As a part of state tourism, the government is promoting E-bike tours, a sustainable and eco-friendly way for tourists to explore the pristine parts of Goa, thereby reducing carbon emissions.
10. Coastal Area Protection Plan: To protect the coastal environment and livelihoods of communities dependent on it, the government has introduced a CZMP (Coastal Zone Management Plan).
11. Encouraging Clean Tech Start-Ups: The Goa government also takes initiatives to encourage clean tech start-ups in various sectors like waste management, water management, renewable energy etc., through providing mentorship, resources, and financial aids.

The following are the key incentives given to green and white category industries in Goa:

1. Tax Incentives: Companies in green and white industries are be eligible for various tax breaks or exemptions, on eco-friendly products and services.
2. Subsidies: Government policies offer subsidies to businesses employing renewable energy technologies, thereby reducing operational costs.
3. Low-Interest Loans: In a bid to encourage sustainable practices, the government offer loans at lower interest rates to green and white industries.
4. Easy Licensing: The government facilitate quick and easy licensing processes for green and white industries to encourage their establishment and operation.
5. Infrastructure Support: The government might provide necessary infrastructure or land at subsidized rates to these industries.
6. Grants for R&D: To encourage innovation and development in green technologies, grants might be provided for participating in research and development activities related to environmental conservation.
7. Training and Capacity Building: Support may be provided for skill development and capacity building programs to develop a skilled workforce that is required in these industries.
8. Market Access: To increase the sales of eco-friendly products, government policies may focus on creating better market opportunities and easier access to domestic and international markets for these industries.
9. Regulatory Benefits: Green businesses may also receive preferential treatment in regulatory issues, such as faster environmental clearances and less strict regulations.
10. Publicity: The government might also provide endorsement and support in increasing public awareness about the products or services offered by these green and white industries, thus enabling them to create a demand and acceptance for their products.

The Government of Goa also has plans to develop eco-industrial parks that promote environment-friendly and low-pollution industries, to continue the path towards sustainable industrial development. The clusters of green and white category industries are existing in the industrial estates such as Verna, Kundaim, Tuem, Latembercem, Panchwadi, Kakoda, Bethora, Cuncolim, Madkaim etc.