A field day on barnyard millet was organised on 19th September , 2025, at the farm premises of Shri Shriram Jairam Salgaonkar, a progressive farmer from Parcem, Pernem, North Goa. The program was organised by ICAR – Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), North Goa, and ICAR – Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (CCARI), Goa. The aim of the program was to enhance the cultivation and use of barnyard millet, especially in cashew-integrated millet farming systems.
Shri Prasad Parab, Project Director of ATMA, North Goa, encouraged the agricultural community to encourage millet cultivation and value addition to augment their farm revenue. Shri Ajay Kalangutkar, Sarpanch, Gram Panchayat Parcem, urged the farmers to conserve the agrobiodiversity of Goa. Dr N. Bommayasamy, Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR-KVK, North Goa, emphasised the significance of frontline demonstrations utilising newly released varieties and management practices in farmers' fields to promote adoption and bridge the yield gap between potential and actual status. Smt. Pramila Shriram Salgaonkar, an innovative progressive farm woman, shared her experiences with implementing a cashew-based millet cropping system, highlighting its benefits and value enhancements. Shri Rahul Kumar (SMS, Agronomy) welcomed the gathering and provided an overview of the agronomic and nutritional significance of barnyard millet var. DHBM-93-3 along with its distinctive characteristics.
On this occasion, officials from line departments, including Shri Deepak Parab, Nodal Officer, Patent Information Centre, Goa State Council for Science & Technology, and officials from the Department of Agriculture, Government of Goa, ATMA, North Goa, and a board member of FPC, Pernem, were present. A total of 41 participants, comprising 28 males and 13 females, participated in the event, establishing it as an effective platform for information exchange and farmer enthusiasm. The program was coordinated by Shri Rahul Kumar, Dr N. Bommayasamy, Dr Sanjaykumar Udharwar, Dr Nivya K. R., and Shri Vishwajeet Prajapati.