ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute

 

    Twenty second meeting of Regional Committee VII hosted by ICAR Research Complex for Goa, Old Goa was inaugurated at International Centre Goa on 9th November, 2012. His Excellency , Shri  Bharat Vir Wanchoo, Governor of Goa inaugurated the meeting. The function was graced by Dr. Ramkrishna Kusmaria, Honourable Minister of Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Development, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR, Dr. Bhargava, Member, GB, ICAR, Secretaries to Government of India and State Governments, Deputy Director Generals of ICAR, Vice Chancellors of Agricultural Universities, Officials from State Governments, Directors of ICAR Institutes and Scientists from ICAR.

    His Excellency, Shri. B. V. Wanchoo urged the scientists to come forward to promote agricultural production and productivity. He mentioned about the food and nutritional security of the country. He called for identifying the problems faced by the communities and solutions for them. He further stated Agriculture is a way of life and major source of livelihood. He narrated the role of agriculture and allied sectors in bringing out the stability in life and livelihood security. He called for the revolutionized green revolution for self sufficiency and self reliance. He stressed the need for strengthening the agriculture research and extension services, and evolving strategies to empowering farmers. He mentioned about the problems faced by agriculture due to global warming, competitions, reduced soil health, land holding fragmentation and called for the solutions.

    Dr. Ramkrishna Kusmaria, Minister of Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Development, Government of Madhya Pradesh stressed the need for maintaining the soil health for sustained production. He advocated organic farming, conservation of indigenous livestock breeds. He suggested the idea of starting an University on Organic Farming. He expressed the concern about weak extension linkages and called for its intensification.

 Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR gave an overall account of agriculture scenario in India vis-à-vis the state under Region VII. He stressed the need for Conservation of Agricultural Resources, their processing, value addition and food safety. He urged the scientists to bring prestige and profitability in agriculture profession so that young generations get attracted to it. He mentioned about the effect of climate change on different crops. He called for registration of more GIs for the crops and commodities in the region. He mentioned about the initiatives taken by ICAR for farmers.

Dr. M. M. Pandey, DDG (Engg. And NRM), ICAR, New Delhi gave overview of the region and role of the regional committee.

Dr. N. P. Singh, Director, ICAR Research Complex for Goa welcomed the dignitaries and the participants.

Dr. K. R. Kranthi, Director, CICR, Nagpur and Member Secretary proposed the Vote of Thanks.

During the inaugural session awards instituted by NAIP were presented. Publications from different ICAR Institutes and State Agricultural Universities were released.