Capacity building and input distribution programme organized at Savarde, Sattari Tq. Goa by ICAR-CCARI

    A one-day farmers’ training programme on cashew production technology was organized by ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CCARI), Goa, at Savarde village, Sattari Taluka, on 03 February 2026. The programme was sponsored by the Directorate of Cashew Research, Puttur, under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP). The programme began with a warm welcome address by Mr. Pruthvi Raj, who welcomed the farmers, scientists, and staff members. During the inaugural session, Mr. Shambhu Bandekar, Head Master, Government High School, Savarde, appreciated ICAR-CCARI for its efforts in enhancing the livelihood of resource-poor Scheduled Caste farmers through training and input support in cashew cultivation.Dr. Akula Chinapolaiah, Senior Scientist (SPAMP), ICAR-CCARI, highlighted the cashew cultivation, processing, value addition, and export potential. He also provided detailed information on cashew cultivation practices and post-harvest management for improving farmers’ income and livelihood security.
   

    Dr. Sanjay M. Bandi, Senior Scientist (Ag. Entomology), ICAR-CCARI, interacted with the farmers and delivered a lecture on pest and disease management in cashew.Later, Mr. Omar de Souza, Technical Officer, ICAR-CCARI, spoke on nursery management of cashew and its scope as a commercial business model for generating employment opportunities for rural unemployed youth.As part of the programme, farm inputs such as tarpaulin sheets, gamelas, buckets, cashew apple collectors, and cashew grafts (Goa Cashew-4 and Goa Cashew-5) were distributed to the beneficiaries. A total of 30 beneficiaries participated in the programme, including 16 women farmers.The programme was graced by Smt. Akshata Gaonkar, Sarpanch, Savarde Sattari Panchayat, along with Shri Shivaji Desai and Shri Budhaji Mhalshekar, Panch members of Savarde, Sattari.The programme was coordinated by Dr. Akula Chinapolaiah, Dr. Sanjay M. Bandi, Mr. Omar de Souza, Mr. Sidhant Haldankar, Project Assistant, and Ms. Anuja G. Shinde, Young Professional-I (YP-I). The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Sidhant Haldankar.