Bridging Scientist, Extension and Farmers for Advancing Organic and Natural Farming in Goa

6 August 2026, Goa

ATMA, North Goa, Directorate of Agriculture, Government of Goa, and ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra, ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, North Goa, jointly organized a Researcher–Extension–Farmer Interface Meeting on Organic and Natural Farming at Shikari, Bicholim Taluka, North Goa, today.

Shri Shubham Naik, Deputy Collector, North Goa, Government of Goa, graced the programme as the Chief Guest. Addressing the participants, he urged the farming community to adopt scientific technologies and sustainable agricultural practices. He emphasized that the integration of livestock with crop production can improve farm profitability, facilitate effective recycling of farm resources, and contribute to long-term soil health and sustainability.

Shri Kamalakant Tari, President of Gaushala, briefed the participants on various activities undertaken by the Gaushala. He highlighted the effective recycling of livestock waste and its conversion into value-added organic products, thereby promoting a circular approach to resource utilization in farming.

The participants were briefed on the objectives of the interface programme, along with various schemes, programmes, and farmer-oriented activities being implemented by ATMA for the benefit of the farming community.

The importance of organic farming in conserving soil biodiversity, maintaining soil health, protecting the environment, and producing safe, residue-free agricultural produce was emphasized.

The key differences between organic and natural farming principles and practices were highlighted, along with the importance of biofertilizers and biocontrol agents in sustainable agriculture. Their role in enhancing nutrient availability, promoting beneficial soil microorganisms, suppressing crop pests and diseases, and reducing dependence on synthetic chemical inputs was explained. These practices contribute to improving soil health and sustaining crop productivity.

As part of the programme, practical demonstrations were conducted on the preparation of Neemastra, Jeevamrit, Ghanajeevamrit, and Phosphate-Rich Organic Manure (PROM). The participants were sensitized to the scientific use of these organic and natural farming inputs for improving soil biological activity, nutrient management, crop health, and production of safe and quality agricultural produce.

The interactive session facilitated direct exchange of knowledge and field-level experiences among researchers, extension personnel, and farmers and helped address practical issues related to the adoption of organic and natural farming practices.

A total of 75 participants, comprising extension officials from the Directorate of Agriculture and progressive farmers representing different blocks of North Goa, attended and benefited from the programme.

(Source: ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, North Goa)