Hon’ble Governor of Goa launched ‘Rejuvenation of khazan lands’ research project implemented by ICAR-CCARI, Goa

    A program was organized by the agriculture and food processing committee of Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on 19^th November 2022 for the launch of research project for Rejuvenation of Khazan lands (coastal saline soils) of Goa being implemented by ICAR-CCARI, Goa. Shri P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, Hon’ble Governor of Goa was the chief guest of the program. He congratulated the ICAR-CCARI team for initiating the project and NABARD for funding the project. He also pointed out that if the project is successfully implemented in the Khazan lands, then a government policy can be made for using the Khazan lands by adopting models best suitable for the state of Goa.

    After the launch of the project, Dr. Parveen Kumar, Director briefed the chief guest about the project benefits to Goan farmers and Goan agriculture and landscape. On this occasion Hon’ble Governor also released a book “The Khazans of Goa” authored by Shri. Sandeep T. Nadkarni, Ex-Chief Engineer, Water Resource Department, Goa. Mr. Ralph de Souza, President, GCCI delivered the welcome address.

    Mr. Orlando Rodrigues, Chairman, Agriculture and food processing committee, GCCI in his address stressed upon the need for the implementation of the project to convert the Khazan lands of Goa into more productive lands with viable interventions and improve the livelihood of the Khazan land farmers. He mentioned that out of 19000 ha Khazan area in Goa, less than 2000 ha is under cultivation and therefore this traditional farming practice of Goa needs to be restored and protected with suitable interventions like Integrated Framing System based on the scientific studies.

    The program was attended by the project team of ICAR-CCARI Scientists, officials of different line departments, farmers, stakeholders etc. The vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Sanjay Amonkar, Director General, GCCI, Goa.