Khet Bachao Abhiyan Awareness and Dhaincha Seed Distribution Programme at Amone, Canacona

     An awareness and distribution programme under the KhetBachaoAbhiyan was successfully conducted at Amone, Canacona, on 26 June 2026, to promote sustainable agricultural practices. The event witnessed the active participation of 18 farmers, including 11 women.

    The programme was graced by Mr. Sandeep Dharkar, General Manager, NABARD, Goa; Mr. Rupesh Bhamaikar, DDM, NABARD, Goa; Mr. Mahendra Pagi, Zonal Agriculture Officer (ZAO), Canacona; and the Chairman and Board of Directors of the Kushavati Farmer Producer Organization (FPO).

    Dr. Shripad Bhat, Senior Scientist (Agricultural Economics), ICAR-CCARI, addressed the gathering on the critical importance of soil health management. He emphasized that building soil organic carbon is the foundation of farm-level economic resilience. As part of the KhetBachaoAbhiyan initiative, Dr. Bhat distributed Dhaincha seeds to the participating farmers. He explained the technical benefits of green manuring as a low-cost, effective strategy to reduce reliance on excessive chemical fertilizers while simultaneously enhancing soil fertility.

    The interaction facilitated a direct dialogue between institutional stakeholders, the FPO leadership, and the farming community of Canacona. The event underscored the importance of collaborative extension efforts in bridging the gap between research-led technologies and field-level adoption, specifically focusing on circular bioeconomy models to improve farmers' net returns.