ICAR–CCARI के कृषि विज्ञान केंद्र, उत्तर गोवा द्वारा टिकाऊ फसल उत्पादन हेतु एकीकृत पोषक तत्व प्रबंधन पर खेत बचाओ अभियान-सह-प्रशिक्षण आयोजित
ICAR-CCARI, KVK, North Goa organizes Khet Bachao Abhiyan-cum-Training on Integrated Nutrient Management for Sustainable Crop Production
ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa, organized a Khet Bachao Abhiyan-cum-Training on Integrated Nutrient Management for Sustainable Crop Production at Cumbharjua, Tiswadi, North Goa, in collaboration with the ATMA, North Goa; the Directorate of Agriculture, Government of Goa; The Goa State Cooperative Bank Ltd.; and Cumbharjua Gawant Multipurpose Agricultural Cooperative Society Ltd. The programme aimed to promote sustainable soil management, balanced nutrient application, soil health conservation and integrated nutrient management practices for enhancing crop productivity and maintaining long-term soil fertility.
Dr. N. Bommayasamy, Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR-KVK North Goa, highlighted the principles of organic agriculture, preparation of enriched organic manures, effective use of fermented liquid manures, intercropping systems for improving soil health and farm income, and organic management of pests and diseases in vegetable crops. He also emphasised the importance of the Fertilizer Calculator Goa offline mobile application for providing soil-test-based fertiliser recommendations for major crops in Goa, thereby reducing excessive dependence on chemical fertilisers and promoting sustainable crop production.
Mr. Ranjit Mhapsekar, Zonal Agricultural Officer, Tiswadi, briefed the participants on various schemes and subsidies offered by the Department of Agriculture, Government of Goa. He highlighted the importance of community-based farming and collective action in improving resource utilisation, agricultural productivity and farmers’ livelihoods. Dr. Sanjaykumar Vithalrao Udharwar, SMS (Animal Science), ICAR-KVK North Goa, explained the role of Gliricidia as green manure leaf for improving soil fertility and as a supplementary livestock fodder, subject to appropriate feeding practices. He stressed integrated crop-livestock farming and recycling of locally available farm resources to reduce input costs and improve nutrient cycling.
Mr. Swapnil Sukhtankar, Soil Chemist, Directorate of Agriculture, Goa, demonstrated the importance of collecting representative soil samples and explained the role of soil testing and Soil Health Cards in assessing soil nutrient status, ensuring judicious fertiliser application, reducing cultivation costs and maintaining soil fertility. Mr. Sameer S. Gurav, Branch Manager, The Goa State Cooperative Bank Ltd., Marcel, created awareness about the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme and institutional banking facilities available to support agricultural and allied activities.
Earlier, Mr. Jatin Kale, BTM, ATMA North Goa, welcomed the gathering and briefed the participants on ATMA’s initiatives for disseminating agricultural technologies through training, demonstrations and extension activities. The vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Shejal Narvekar, Panch Member.
A total of 55 farmers, including 33 men and 22 women, participated in the programme, along with seven officials from the collaborating departments and institutions. The programme was coordinated by Mr. Ranjit Mhapsekar, Dr. N. Bommayasamy, Dr. Sanjaykumar Vithalrao Udharwar, Mr. Swapnil Sukhtankar, Mr. Sameer S. Gurav, Mr. Siddarth Veghumekar, Mr. Devu Gaude, Mr. Jatin Kale and Mr. Amogh Vaze.