Distribution of Brush Cutter Machine to Self Help Group of Schedule Tribes farmers of Goa

In the coastal region of the country, particularly in Goa, horticultural crops occupy about 64% of the total cropped area 165953 ha (45.95 %) with predominant crops like Cashew, Coconut, Arecanut and spices. Weed infestation is a major problem in the coastal area due to high rainfall leading to 33 % loss in yield. Hence, an attempt was made to popularize weed management through adaption of mechanization by providing brush cutter machine and train tribal farmer of Goa under Schedule Tribes Component. ICAR Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute Goa has organized the Brush Cutter Machine distribution program to the Schedule Tribe farmer of Goa on 04-01-2023 under the Chairmanship of Dr. Parveen Kumar, Director and Dr. A. Raizada Head NRM & Principle Scientist (Agro Forestry).  A total 90 Schedule Tribes farmers from 8 Schedule Tribes Self-Help Groups benefitted from this activity and will find it for effective weed management. Shashi Vishwakarma Senior Technical Officer (Soil Science) coordinated this programme. A total 18 representatives of Schedule Tribe farmers of 8 Self Help Group were present and received 8 Brush Cutter Machine (one brush cutter machine to each group) in the program.