Inauguration of “National symposium on Self-Reliant Coastal Agriculture-2022” at  ICAR-CCARI, Goa

Goa Khabar:ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (CCARI), Goa inaugurated the “National Symposium on Self-Reliant Coastal Agriculture” from 11-13 May, 2022 which was organized by ICAR-CCARI and Association for Coastal Agricultural Research (ACAR) under Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Tourism, Shipyard and Waterways) Govt. of India was the Chief Guest of the inaugural function. Shri Nilesh Cabral, Hon’ble Minister of Environment, Legislative affairs, Law & Judiciary and Public Works Department, Govt. of Goa, Shri A. K. Mishra, IAS, Secretary (Agriculture, AH& VS), Govt. of Goa, Shri Mahesh Patil, Chairman, Goa State Pollution Control Board and Dr. Suresh Kumar Chaudhari, Deputy Director General (NRM), ICAR, New Delhi were the Guest of Honours.

The inaugural function was also graced by Padma Shri Awardee Shri Amai Mahalinga Naik, Dr. Nevil Alphonso, Director of Agriculture, Dr. Agostinho Misquita, Director, Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Dr. Shamila Monteiro, Director of Fisheries, Directors and Ex-Directors of different ICAR Institutes. In his address, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik briefed about the various constraints to take up agriculture in the coastal ecosystem. He also emphasized that, agro-ecotourism has opened up a new avenue to increase farm income. He further stated that this symposium will act as a knowledge platform and a way forward to sustainable coastal agriculture which will benefit farmers, scientists and other stakeholders.

Shri Nilesh Cabral in his remark stressed the need for reviving the fifth century old and traditional agriculture system of Goa through eco-friendly methods of bund stabilization, integration of pisciculture and agriculture to make Goa a self-reliant state in agriculture. Dr. Suresh Kumar Chaudhari in his remarks emphasized the significant contribution of coastal agriculture despite complex and compounded problems in coastal ecosystems. He further stressed the importance of high-density cashew plantations and harnessing the potential of the animal sector for doubling coastal farmer income.

 Shri A. K. Mishra in his address requested the gathering to deliberate on inherent challenges for self-reliant agriculture and address the nutritional security of the coastal area. Shri Mahesh Patil appreciated the work of ICAR-CCARI and stressed that climate change is a fact and we should prioritize our research and development on climate-resilient agriculture. He opined that khazan land has to be revived through an integrated farming approach and encourage agro-ecotourism to improve the income of farmers.

Dr. Parveen Kumar, Director, ICAR- CCARI welcomed all the dignitaries and delegates of the symposium. In his welcome address, he briefed about the scenario of coastal agriculture and gave the gist about the different sessions and deliberations to be conducted during the symposium. On this occasion, Padma Shri Awardee Shri Amai Mahalinga Naik was felicitated by the dignitaries for his innovation in water conservation and converting barren lands into green and fertile lands.

The inaugural function was attended by 160 participants physically and 100 participants virtually from different Institutes and Universities across the country. Dr. R. Solomon Rajkumar, Senior Scientist (Livestock Products Technology) and Organising Secretary of Symposium proposed the vote of thanks and Dr. Mathala J. Gupta, Senior Scientist, (AS&PE) compered the programme.