ICAR – CCARI, Goa organized Skill Development Training on “Improved fodder cultivation and silage making” @ Azadi Ka Amrit Mahostav

    ICAR – Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (CCARI) and ICAR – Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), North Goa organized three days Skill Development Training on “Improved fodder cultivation and silage making” from 15 to 17 March, 2022 funded by Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India under Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. Dr. Parveen Kumar, Director, ICAR – CCARI in his address stressed upon acute fodder shortage in Goa and its dependency on other states to meet its fodder requirements. He further emphasized that this training should act as a precursor in motivating farmers in taking up fodder as an intercrop in the existing coconut, arecanut and cashew orchards and to make goa a self- reliant state in fodder production. Shri H. R. C. Prabhu, Sr. Scientist and Head In-charge, ICAR – KVK, North Goa, in his welcome address talked about importance of fodder cultivation in Goan scenario. Dr. R. Solomon Rajkumar, Senior Scientist (Livestock Products Technology) and In-charge (Animal Science and Fishery Science) in his address emphasized upon fodder calendar and exploring the opportunity of utilizing weed as feed for the animals. During the three days training programme several important aspects of fodder cultivations, silage making and azolla cultivation were discussed in detail. It was followed by practical sessions on azolla cultivation, silage making and field visits to Institute fodder museum & dairy unit. Experts from ICAR – IGFRI, RRS, Dharwad and Goa State Animal Husbandry Department also delivered lectures regarding fodder cultivation. Total 20 dairy farmers from the state of Goa participated and benefitted by this training programme. The training was coordinated by Dr. Monica Suresh Singh, SMS (Agril. Extn.) and Dr. Uthappa A. R., Scientist (Agroforestry) and was documented by Shri Vishwajeet Prajapati, Technical Officer (Computers).