ICAR-CCARI inks MoA with Zycon ReNew Energy Pvt. Ltd. for Evaluation of an Organic Manure in Agriculture

    ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CCARI), Goa, entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Zycon ReNew Energy Pvt. Ltd., Goa, for undertaking a Contract Research Proposal (CRP) titled “Evaluation of Spent Mushroom Substrate Organic Manure (SMSOM) to Improve Productivity and Soil Health in Rice and Vegetable Crops.” The agreement has been executed under the provisions of the Professional Service Functions (PSF) Guidelines of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The MoA marks the formal commencement of a research initiative to scientifically evaluate the agronomic potential of Spent Mushroom Substrate Organic Manure (SMSOM) as a sustainable nutrient source to enhance crop productivity, improve soil health, and promote environmentally responsible nutrient management practices in coastal agricultural ecosystems.

    Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Parveen Kumar, Director, ICAR-CCARI, Goa, emphasized the institute’s commitment towards the effective utilization of agricultural biomass and organic resources for sustainable farming. He highlighted that the initiative aligns closely with ICAR’s Special Campaign on the Balanced Use of Fertilizers and the Khet Bachao Abhiyaan, which promotes scientific nutrient management, soil health restoration, and reduced dependence on chemical fertilizers. Dr. Sangam Kurade, Director, ZyconReNew Energy Pvt. Ltd., Goa, briefed the participants about the company’s mushroom production enterprise and the generation of spent mushroom substrate as a valuable by-product. As one of the largest mushroom industries in the country, ZyconReNew Energy Pvt. Ltd. is committed to advancing green and circular economy principles by converting agricultural by-products into enriched organic manure, thereby supporting sustainable agriculture and resource recycling.

    The programme was attended by officials from the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Directorate of Agriculture, Directorate of Fisheries, Government of Goa, NABARD, entrepreneurs, representatives of ZyconReNew Energy Pvt. Ltd., and scientists and staff of ICAR-CCARI, Goa.

    Dr. Gopal Ramdas Mahajan, Dr. R. Solomon Rajkumar, Mr. Trivesh Mayekar, Shri Siddharth Marathe, Smt. Pranjali Wadekar and Dr. Subhradip Bhattacharje were Coordinators for the programme.