Field day cum distribution programme under SCSP at Bandora village, Goa

    ICAR-CCARI, Goa, in collaboration with the Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) and Bandora Panchayat, Goa organized a Field Day cum Distribution Program for farmers belonging to Self Help Groups (SHGs) under SCSP on 10 April 2025. The event was graced by Shri Ramchandra Naik, Sarpanch of Bandora, along with Panchayat members Shri Raju Bandodkar, Shri Vaman Naik, Shri Ajay Naik, and Shri Krishna Gaude, Secretary of the BMC and Panchayat. Adv. Surel Tilve, Chairman of the Bandora BMC, welcomed all dignitaries, farmers, and fishermen, and emphasized the collaborative efforts between BMC and ICAR-CCARI to address field-level challenges faced by the local farming and fishing communities. Shri Ramchandra Naik commended the institute's impactful interventions at the grassroots level and extended his gratitude to the Director of ICAR-CCARI and the scientific team for their continued support. Dr. Shirish D Narnaware, Senior Scientist (Vet. Pathology), ICAR-CCARI, highlighted the farmer-friendly technologies developed by the institute in agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries. He encouraged stakeholders to adopt these innovations to enhance farm income and improve livelihoods. Dr. Sreekanth GB, Senior Scientist (Fisheries), ICAR-CCARI, provided insights into various Government of India schemes offering input support and handholding for farmers and fishermen. He advocated for an integrated farming approach that combines agriculture with livestock, fisheries, and agro-eco-tourism to make farming more sustainable and economically rewarding. As part of the program, grass-cutting machines, multipurpose HDPE barrels, and Phospo Urja (PROM) were distributed to 20 farmers from SHGs, including 15 women. Practical demonstrations were also conducted on the usage of grass-cutting equipment, crab farming system, and low-cost estuarine fish trap. A notable highlight of the event was the formal handing over of the certificate of registration to the newly notified Bandiwada Fishermen Association, formed under the guidance of ICAR-CCARI and the Bandora BMC. The program witnessed the enthusiastic participation of around 40 local residents, reflecting strong community engagement and support. This initiative stands as a meaningful step toward empowering local farmers and fishermen while promoting inclusive and sustainable agricultural practices in Bandora village.