ICAR-CCARI Hosts Field Day on Community-Based Agro-Ecotourism in Goa under Viksit Bharat’s 100 days programme

ICAR-CCARI organized a Field Day focused on establishing a Community-Based Agro-Ecotourism model in Satorlim, Canacona Taluka, Goa on 9^th September 2024. This event was part of Viksit Bharat's 100-day initiative aimed at fostering sustainable agricultural practices. The program saw active participation from 33 members of the Sartolim Community Farming Self-Help Group.

The day began with an educational consultative meeting designed to introduce the benefits of adopting a scientific agro-ecotourism framework. The session aimed to illustrate how such a model could enhance community income and sustainability. Following the meeting, attendees participated in a field visit to the proposed site for the agro-ecotourism unit. Here, key areas were identified for integration into the agro-ecotourism plan. A preliminary layout was developed to outline both primary and secondary agro-ecotourism activities. The program will be launched with financial support from the ICAR-STC fund within the targeted 100 days.

The program was organised by Dr. R. Solomon Rajkumar, Senior Scientist & AET Coordinator, along with Shri Vinod A. Ubarhande, Assistant Chief Technical Officer (Farm Superintendent), and Smt. Madina S. Sollapuri, Assistant Chief Technical Officer (Civil Engineering), all under the guidance of Dr. Parveen Kumar, Director of ICAR-CCARI, Goa.

The farmers expressed enthusiasm about the innovative agro-ecotourism concept and showed eagerness to transform their village into a 'Model Agro-Ecotourism Village.'