Training and Demonstration on Natural Farming organized by ICAR-KVK, CCARI Goa sponsoredby RCONF Bengaluru
Training and Demonstration on Natural Farming organized by ICAR-KVK, CCARI Goa sponsoredby RCONF Bengaluru
A one-day farmers’ training and demonstration on natural farming, sponsored by the Regional Centre for Organic and Natural Farming (RCONF), Bengaluru, was organized by ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra, North Goa, ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, on March 9, 2026, at Codiem in Sattari taluka of North Goa.Dr. N. Bommayasamy, Senior Scientist and Head of ICAR–KVK, North Goa, briefed the participants on the basic principles of natural farming and explained the differences between organic and natural farming. He also demonstrated the preparation and application of Beejamrit and Ghana Jeevamrit, emphasizing the use of locally available natural resources for on-farm input production to reduce farmers’ dependence on costly agro-chemicals.
Dr. Satish Sandakonda, Junior Scientific Officer, Regional Centre for Organic and Natural Farming, Bengaluru, explained the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India) for organic certification implemented by the National Centre of Organic and Natural Farming. He also elaborated on third-party organic certification carried out under APEDA through the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).Shri Vishwanath Gawas, Zonal Agriculture Officer (ZAO), Valpoi, North Goa, addressed the gathering and encouraged farmers to adopt natural farming practices to reduce cultivation costs and improve the quality of agricultural produce and various state government schemes.Shri Rahul Kumar, who delivered lectures on mulching techniques in natural farming, soil health management, and natural pest and disease management practices.Shri Pranav Narulkar, a progressive farmer practicing natural farming, shared his field experiences and motivated farmers to adopt natural farming techniques.
A total of 50 farmers (45 men and 5 women), along with five officials, participated in the programme. The participants actively interacted with the experts, clarified their queries, and shared their experiences during the technical sessions. The programme was coordinated by Shri Rahul Kumar, Dr. N. Bommayasamy, and Dr. Satish Sandakonda.