Exposure visit and Input distribution to SC farmers from Bicholim, Goa under SCSP

An exposure visit and input distribution programme was organized under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) of the Government of India on 28 June 2025 at ICAR-CCARI, Goa. The programme aimed to promote inclusive development and provide livelihood support to Scheduled Caste (SC) farmers through technological exposure and input assistance. A total of 12 SC farmers participated in the programme and actively engaged in agricultural activities. The event began with a welcome and inaugural address by Dr Parveen Kumar Director, ICAR-CCARI on the institute research activities and objectives of SCSP. Dr. Shirish Narnaware, Senior Scientist (Veterinary Pathology), highlighted the livelihood opportunities in animal husbandry and the various SCSP schemes supporting it. This was followed by a lecture on “Income Enhancement of Small and Marginal farmers in Coastal India through Aquaculture: Opportunities and Technological Advancement” by Shri Trivesh Mayekar, Scientist (FGB). An exposure visit to the Fisheries Farm was conducted, during which the farmers were introduced to the concept of seabass polyculture and pangasius culture, including aspects such as species selection, stocking density, and feeding management. A live demonstration of cast netting was carried out, where the farmers observed fish handling and identification practices. They were also shown the floating duck-cum-fish cage culture unit and briefed on its advantages in integrated farming systems. Additionally, fish traps were demonstrated, highlighting their traditional use and potential adaptations for sustainable fish harvesting. Further demonstration on the ornamental fish culture, feeding, and breeding were given to farmers.

Importance of conservation through captive breeding of Goa’s indigenous freshwater ornamental species was explained. An IoT based real-time water quality monitoring system was also demonstrated. The aquaponics unit was also displayed and explained as an example of resource-efficient integrated farming. Subsequently, Mr. Manish Patel, Technician (NRM Section), explained the Livestock Waste Vaporization System (LWVS) and the Phospho Urja - PROM (Phosphate Rich Organic Manure, explaining the benefits of and promoting organic farming. Following the visits, a brief interaction session was conducted where farmers shared their field-level constraints and sought technical guidance. Notably, the farmers requested support for fencing of agricultural fields to prevent damage caused by stray animal grazing and also raised concerns about the presence of snakes, which posed a threat to safety during fieldwork. Grass cutting machines were distributed to SC farmers during the input distribution programme. The programme was coordinated by Shri Trivesh Mayekar, Scientist (FGB), Dr. Sreekanth G. B., Senior Scientist (FRM), Dr. Shirish Narnaware, Senior Scientist (Vet. Pathology), Dr. Gopal R. Mahajan, Senior Scientist (Soil Science), Mr. Manish Patel, Technician (NRM Section), Shri Dilkush Velip, Technical Assistant (T3) and Mr. Harshvardhan Shetye, Young Professional (Fisheries Science).