Shri Kailash Choudhary Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare visited ICAR-CCARI, Goa

    Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Kailash Choudhary visited ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa on 24 September 2021. On the occasion, Shri Chandrakant Babu Kavalekar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Govt. of Goa was also present. Hon’ble Union Minister of State appreciated the achievements and innovations of the Institute and complimented the team for addressing challenges of such a vast operating environment of the coastal region spread in 9 states and 2 UTs covering 75 districts. He stressed upon development of FPOs, focus on post-harvest processing for increasing income of farmers and avoid losses, development of stress tolerant improved varieties, organization of the farmer awareness programmes like Kisan Melas to have better connectivity with farmers and stakeholders. He further appealed and urged the Scientists and staff of the Institute to work with enthusiasm and zeal to address the challenges of most vulnerable ecosystem.  Dr. Parveen Kumar, Director, ICAR-CCARI presented in brief the achievements of Institute and showcased the technologies and products of the Institute through the exhibition organized. A need for two Regional Research Stations one each in west coast and east coast to cater the research needs and to transfer the Institute technologies to coastal farmers was discussed and emphasized. He also put forth a proposal to establish office of National Seed Corporation in the State of Goa to establish seed chain for providing timely quality seed to the farmers in required quantity to achieve the goal of doubling farmers’ income. Proposal for funds requirement to develop ‘Flying Cocobot’- a drone based coconut harvester to reduce the drudgery was discussed and Hon’ble Minister asked to submit the same for consideration. Representatives from the State line Department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services and Fisheries, Scientists, officers and staff of the Institute and KVK, North Goa attended the program. Dr. Gopal Ramdas Mahajan coordinated the event and proposed vote of thanks.