North Goa, August  2026: 

A Researcher–Extension–Farmer Interface Meeting on Organic and Natural Farming was organised at Shikari in Bicholim Taluka, North Goa, to strengthen collaboration among agricultural scientists, extension personnel and farmers and promote sustainable farming practices.

The programme was jointly organised by ATMA, North Goa; Directorate of Agriculture, Government of Goa; and ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra, ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, North Goa.

The initiative provided a platform for farmers and field-level officials to interact directly with researchers and discuss practical approaches for adopting organic and natural farming practices.

Focus on Sustainable and Profitable Farming

Shri Shubham Naik, Deputy Collector, North Goa, Government of Goa, attended the programme as Chief Guest. Addressing the participants, he encouraged farmers to adopt scientific technologies and sustainable agricultural practices.

He highlighted the benefits of integrating livestock with crop production, noting that such integration can improve farm profitability, support efficient recycling of farm resources and contribute to long-term soil health.

The programme also featured an interaction with Shri Kamalakant Tari, President of Gaushala, who explained the activities undertaken by the Gaushala. He highlighted the conversion and recycling of livestock waste into value-added organic products, demonstrating a circular approach to resource utilisation in agriculture.

Organic Farming and Soil Health

Participants were briefed about various schemes, programmes and farmer-oriented initiatives being implemented by ATMA.

The discussions emphasised the role of organic farming in:

  • Conserving soil biodiversity
  • Maintaining soil health
  • Protecting the environment
  • Producing safe and residue-free agricultural products
  • Reducing dependence on synthetic chemical inputs

The programme also highlighted the differences between organic farming and natural farming, enabling participants to better understand their respective principles and practices.

Role of Biofertilizers and Biocontrol Agents

The importance of biofertilizers and biocontrol agents in sustainable agriculture was another key focus of the programme.

Participants were informed about their potential role in improving nutrient availability, supporting beneficial soil microorganisms and managing crop pests and diseases. These biological approaches can contribute to healthier soils and more sustainable crop production while reducing reliance on synthetic agricultural inputs.

Practical Demonstrations of Natural Farming Inputs

The programme included hands-on demonstrations on the preparation of several organic and natural farming inputs, including:

  • Neemastra
  • Jeevamrit
  • Ghanajeevamrit
  • Phosphate-Rich Organic Manure (PROM)

The demonstrations focused on the scientific application of these inputs for improving soil biological activity, nutrient management and crop health.

Participants were also sensitised to the importance of using such preparations appropriately to support the production of safe and quality agricultural produce.

Direct Interaction with Farmers

The Researcher–Extension–Farmer Interface provided an opportunity for direct exchange of scientific knowledge and field-level experiences.

Farmers and extension personnel were able to interact with researchers, discuss practical challenges and seek guidance on the adoption of organic and natural farming practices under local conditions.

Such direct interaction can help bridge the gap between agricultural research and field-level implementation while enabling researchers and extension agencies to better understand farmers' requirements.

75 Participants Attend the Programme

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

The initiative highlighted the importance of stronger linkages between research institutions, extension agencies and farming communities for promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

By combining scientific knowledge, practical demonstrations and farmer experiences, the programme seeks to support wider adoption of organic and natural farming approaches while contributing to healthier soils, efficient resource use and sustainable agricultural production in Goa.

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