Concluding Ceremony of Khet Bachao Abhiyan and Dhaincha Distribution Programme at Shiroda, Goa

    The month-long Khet Bachao Abhiyan culminated in a significant outreach event held at Shiroda on 30 June 2026. The programme was marked by a massive response from the farming community, with approximately 300 farmers—including 120 women farmers—participating to support the Abhiyan at Shiroda on 30 June 2026.

    The event was presided over by Hon’ble Minister for Water Resources, Co-operation & Provedoria, Shri Subhash Shirodkar, who was joined by Dr. Shripad Bhat, Dr. Paramesha V, Mr. Rahul Kulkarni from ICAR-CCARI, Goa, Mr. Omkar Desai (Zonal Agricultural Officer), Mr. Dattatreya Pandit (Project Director, ATMA South Goa), the local Sarpanch, Zilla Panchayat members, panch members and farmers.

    Dr. Shripad Bhat, Senior Scientist (Agricultural Economics), ICAR-CCARI, provided a comprehensive address on the strategic importance of green manuring. He highlighted how adopting Dhaincha as a green manure crop serves as a dual-action strategy: enhancing long-term soil health while simultaneously reducing the financial burden of cultivation by lowering dependency on excessive chemical fertilizers.

    During his address, the Hon’ble Minister praised the proactive efforts of ICAR-CCARI in bringing scientific solutions. He strongly urged the farming community of Shiroda to embrace green manuring practices to ensure the sustainability of their land.As a practical step toward implementation, Dhaincha seeds were distributed to all 300 participating farmers, equipping them to immediately adopt the soil-rejuvenation techniques discussed.