ICAR–CCARI Director graces NABARD Goa’s 45th Foundation Day as Chief Guest

    Dr. Parveen Kumar, Director, ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR–CCARI), Goa, attended the 45th Foundation Day of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Goa Regional Office, on 14th July, 2026 as the Chief Guest. The programme was held at the Head Office of The Goa State Cooperative Bank Ltd. (Goa StCB), Patto, Panaji, and was organised around the theme of the International Year of Women Farmers, highlighting the pivotal role of women in agriculture, rural livelihoods and sustainable development.

Presiding over the function, Dr. Parveen Kumar congratulated NABARD on completing 45 years of dedicated service to the nation and acknowledged the bank’s significant contribution towards agricultural and rural development. He appreciated the close and continuing collaboration between ICAR–CCARI and NABARD in implementing several developmental initiatives across Goa, including projects on the rejuvenation of Khazan lands, promotion of sustainable agriculture and development of finfish fisheries.

    In his keynote address, the Director outlined the Institute’s ongoing research programmes, technology dissemination activities and farmer-oriented initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and strengthening rural livelihoods in the State. He emphasised that partnerships between research institutions and development-financing agencies such as NABARD are central to translating scientific advances into on-ground impact for coastal farming and fishing communities.

    The occasion was also graced by Shri Ashutosh Apte, Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Government of Goa; Dr. Prashant Kadam, General Manager, Reserve Bank of India; Shri Pandurang Kurtikar, Chairman, The Goa State Cooperative Bank Ltd.; Smt. Deepali Naik, Director of Rural Development and Additional Charge Project Director; and Smt. Savita Ramesh Tawadkar, Chairperson of a Beekeeping Farmer Producer Organisation, along with women farmers from different parts of Goa.

In recognition of 2026 being observed as the International Year of Women Farmers, progressive women farmers from across Goa were felicitated for their outstanding contributions to organic farming, integrated farming systems, agri-processing and community-led agricultural enterprises. The felicitation celebrated their achievements in enhancing farm productivity, adopting sustainable practices and inspiring rural communities through innovation and entrepreneurship.

    A major highlight of the programme was an interactive experience-sharing session, in which the felicitated farmers narrated their entrepreneurial journeys and offered practical insights into modern farming practices, value addition, enterprise management and the challenges encountered in the sector. An accompanying exhibition featured stalls displaying a diverse range of products developed and marketed by Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), reflecting the growing role of collective rural enterprises in promoting local products, value addition and livelihood generation.

    The celebrations concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to further strengthen the participation of women in agriculture, expand financial inclusion, facilitate access to improved technologies and markets, and promote sustainable rural development. ICAR–CCARI reaffirmed its resolve to continue working closely with NABARD and partner agencies to advance inclusive and sustainable agricultural and rural transformation in Goa and along India’s west coast.