The Director ICAR-CCARI Explores Research Potential in Coastal Dakshina Kannada District with Various Stakeholders

    Dr. Parveen Kumar, Director of ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (CCARI), visited the Coastal Dakshina Kannada district from 27-29 August 2024 to explore research opportunities and foster collaboration with various stakeholders in the agricultural sector. During his visit, Dr. Kumar engaged with the team at the ICAR-Directorate of Cashew Research in Puttur, where he discussed areas of research convergence, particularly in cashew production and processing. Emphasis was placed on the effective utilization of cashew apples, an important by-product in the cashew industry.

    Dr. Parveen Kumar also visited the ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute's Regional Station in Vittal. There, he met with the Head and scientific staff to discuss strategies for increasing the availability of elite planting material for arecanut in the coastal regions of India. Highlighting the potential for diversification, Dr. Kumar proposed the introduction of agro-ecotourism initiatives at the ICAR-CPCRI Vittal Regional Station.

    In a notable segment of his visit, Dr. Parveen Kumar met with Padma Shri awardee farmer Shri Amai Mahalinga Naik Ji at his farmland in Adyanadka Village. The awardee and his family expressed their gratitude to the ICAR for nominating him for the prestigious honor.

    Additionally, Dr. Parveen Kumar interacted with Shri Partha Varnashi, an AGNI ABI incubatee of ICAR-CCARI, at Varanashi Organic Farms. Together, they outlined a roadmap for creating a Model Regenerative Farming Village in collaboration with ICAR-CCARI. Dr. Parveen Kumar was accompanied by senior scientists Dr. Manohara K. K. and Dr. R. Solomon Rajkumar, who contributed their expertise throughout the visit. This initiative underlines ICAR-CCARI's commitment to enhancing agricultural research and promoting sustainable practices in the coastal Karnataka region.