Training on effective use of organic nutrient sources for sustainable soil health management at ICAR-CCARI, KVK, Goa

ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, North Goa, under the aegis of ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa, organised a training on effective use of organic nutrient sources for sustainable soil health management on May 7, 2026, at ICAR-KVK, North Goa, Ela, Old Goa. The programme aimed to create awareness among college students and rural youth about sustainable farming practices and the importance of reducing dependence on synthetic inorganic fertilizers through the adoption of eco-friendly organic nutrient sources. Dr. N. Bommayasamy, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK North Goa, sensitised and trained the participants on the selection of suitable green manuring and green leaf manuring crops, as well as scientific methods for preparing organic manures using locally available farm wastes, crop residues, animal dung, and other biodegradable materials. He explained that properly decomposed organic manures improve soil organic carbon, soil structure, and water-holding capacity while enhancing beneficial microbial activity. He further highlighted that the effective use of organic manures helps reduce nutrient losses under Goa’s high rainfall conditions, improves nutrient-use efficiency, lowers dependence on costly synthetic fertilizers, and promotes environmentally safe and sustainable farming systems. Dr. Udharwar S. V., Subject Matter Specialist (Animal Science), elaborated on various components of organic farming systems, including farmyard manure, compost, vermicompost, green manuring, biofertilizers, and effective recycling of farm residues for improving soil health and sustaining agricultural productivity. He also highlighted that dairy farming and allied activities such as vermicomposting provide additional income-generating opportunities for rural youth while substantially reducing expenditure on chemical fertilizers, thereby enhancing overall farm profitability and sustainability. The interactive session encouraged students to adopt climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices suited to Goa’s lateritic soils and high rainfall conditions. Emphasis was given to the role of organic nutrient sources in improving soil health, enhancing nutrient cycling, reducing production costs, and ensuring safe food production. The Kisan Goshti also served as a valuable platform for scientific knowledge exchange, motivating students to emerge as future entrepreneurs and change agents in sustainable agriculture. A total of 21 graduate students, including 8 male and 13 female participants from different parts of Goa, actively attended the programme. The event was coordinated by Dr. Udharwar S. V., Mr. Aishwar Tiwari, and Dr. N. Bommayasamy.