ICAR-CCARI, Goa organized a training programme on “Production and Marketing of Major Horticultural crops of Goa” in association with NABARD, Goa and Bicholim Progressive Farmers Producer Company Limited

ICAR-CCARI, Goa in association with NABARD, Goa, and Bicholim Progressive Farmers Producer Company (FPC) Limited, Bicholim, Goa organized a training programme on “Production and Marketing of Major Horticultural crops of Goa” on 10.07.2024 at Ravindra Bhavan, Sankhalim, Goa. Dr. Shripad Bhat, Senior Scientist (Agricultural Economics) highlighted the importance of market intelligence and explained strategies for earning higher farm income. He discussed the initiatives under the NABARD-funded project "Market Intelligence for Horticultural Crops for Improving Livelihood of Farmer in Goa" including price forecasting and market linkages. Farmers interacted about seasonality in prices, best months for selling their produce, and moisture level determination in black pepper. Mr. Omar de Souza, Technical Assistant, provided an overview of cashew and black pepper varieties suitable for Goa region and explained the cultivation practices for obtaining higher yield. Farmers interacted about black pepper and cashew cultivation. Dr Milind Bhirud, General Manager/OIC, NABARD, Goa informed the participants about initiatives related to farmers producer companies to enhance the income of the farmers. Ms. Neelima Gawas, ZAO, Bicholim, outlined various state government schemes available to farmers. Mr. Vishwambhar Gawas, Chairman, Bicholim FPC, highlighted the initiatives undertaken by FPC to support the farmers in production and marketing aspects. From ICAR-CCARI, Goa, the event was coordinated by Dr. Shripad Bhat, Mr. Omar de Souza with assistance from Nitin Gaonkar, Project Associate. Around 60 participants including directors of the Bicholim FPC, progressive farmers, women farmers participated and interacted in this training programme.