Hon’ble ADG (SWM) visited ICAR-CCARI, Goa

Dr. A. Velmurgan, ADG (Soil and water management), NRM Division, ICAR New Delhi visited ICAR-CCARI, Goa and ICAR-KVK, North Goa on 04 March, 2024. He interacted with all the staff and appreciated contribution of the Institute to coastal agriculture in last one year. Subsequently he had a separate scientific deliberation with Institute Scientists and emphasized the scientists to explore opportunities in developing carbon neutral agro-ecotourism model and tap the benefits of recently launched voluntary carbon trading in agricultural sector. He highlighted importance of value additions, branding and marketing of natural farming products through digital platforms. He further stressed to take up demonstrations trials to rehabilitate mine affected area through already proven technologies of Institute. Dr. Parveen Kumar, Director, ICAR- CCARI, Goa welcomed the guest and briefed the achievements of the Institute. Later, ADG (SWM) visited newly introduced a goat herd of total 37 adult Black Bengal goats (33 females and 4 males) which was procured from their breeding tract at West Bengal. Dr. Shirish D. Narnaware, Senior Scientist (Veterinary Pathology) & Section in-charge Animal Science and Fisheries Sciences stated that it is the most prolific breed of goat, very suitable for meat and skin production, and can significantly contribute towards sustainable livelihoods of small and marginal farmers of coastal region. The program was coordinated by Dr. N., Bommayasamy, Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR- KVK, North Goa and Dr. Uthappa, A.R., Scientist (Agroforestry).