Farmer-scientist interface and input distribution programme under SCSP at Kirlos, Maharashtra

 

    ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CCARI), Goa, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kirlos, Sindhudurg, organized a Farmer-scientist interface and Input Distribution Programme at Kirlos, Tal. Malvan, Dist. Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, on 20 November 2025 under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP). Dr. Sreekanth GB, Senior Scientist, ICAR-CCARI welcomed the participants, outlined the SCSP scheme and activities of ICAR-CCARI, Goa and provided guidance on fisheries technologies, local fisheries resources and diversity, and recommended farm pond development and fish stocking procedures. Dr. Akula Reddy, Senior Scientist, ICAR-CCARI, briefly explained on the production technologies for spices and plantation crops, addressed issues in coconut and arecanut cultivation, and offered field-level advisories. Shri. Pradip Sawant, Vice-Chairman, Sindhudurg Zilla krushi Prathisthan, highlighted on the socioeconomic status and farming scenario of the Kirlos region. Shri. Bhaskar Kajarekar, SMS (Agronomy) and Shri. Balkrushna Gawade, SMS (Plant protection) shared brief information related to farmers’ needs and agricultural practices. Shri. SA Rane, SMS (Agril. Eng.), coordinator for the programme from KVK, provided a detailed information on various initiatives of the KVK in food processing and value addition of fruits and vegetables. Agricultural inputs such as planting materials (arecanut, nutmeg, and cashew), ghamelas, pickaxes, spades, billhooks, sickles, coconut climber, Azolla bed units, planting bags, trolleys, animal medicates, literature and vermicompost were distributed to the farmers. A field visit was also arranged to the rice fields and poultry units of the farmers with practical exposure to farm activities. A total of 20 SC farmers, including 16 males and 4 females, participated in the programme. The programme was successfully coordinated by Dr. Sreekanth GB, Dr. Akula Chinapolaiah, Dr. KV Desai (SMS, Animal Science), Shri. SA Rane and Mr. Mrudul Pendurkar, (YP1, ICAR-CCARI).