गोवा में सतत मृदा स्वास्थ्य प्रबंधन हेतु हरी खाद एवं हरी पत्ती खाद पर किसान गोष्ठी आयोजित
Green Manuring and Green Leaf Manuring for Sustainable Soil Health Management organized at Goa
ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), North Goa, under the aegis of ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR–CCARI), Goa, organised a Kisan Gosthi on “Green Manuring and Green Leaf Manuring for Sustainable Soil Health Management” at ICAR–CCARI, Ela, Old Goa, in Tiswadi taluka, North Goa, on April 26, 2026. The programme was conducted as part of the national flagship initiative on soil health management and balanced use of fertilisers, with the objective of promoting sustainable and eco-friendly nutrient management practices among farmers.
During the programme, farmers were sensitised to the importance of green manuring and green leaf manuring as cost-effective methods for improving soil fertility and sustaining crop productivity. Experts explained that green manuring involves raising crops such as Sesbania, Sun hemp, and Cowpea, which are incorporated into the soil at the flowering stage to enrich organic matter and naturally add nitrogen to the soil. Similarly, green leaf manuring involves the incorporation of leaves from trees such as Gliricidia, Subabul, and Neem, which decompose rapidly and help improve soil fertility while enhancing beneficial microbial activity.
Farmers were informed that these practices improve soil structure, enhance water-holding capacity, increase soil organic carbon, supply essential nutrients, suppress weeds, and reduce soil erosion. They were also guided on selecting suitable green manure crops, the ideal stage for incorporation before flowering, and the required quantity of biomass for effective results. Special emphasis was laid on adopting these practices before paddy transplanting to improve soil fertility in a sustainable and economical manner. The programme also highlighted the role of green manuring in climate-resilient agriculture and long-term soil health management. A total of 19 participants, including 11 male and 8 female farmers, actively attended the Kisan Gosthi, reflecting growing interest among farmers in adopting sustainable agricultural practices. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Sanjaykumar Vithalrao Udharwar, SMS (Animal Science), and Dr N Bommayasamy, Senior Scientist & Head, ICAR-KVK, North Goa.