At a Glance
- Khet Bachao Abhiyan promotes sustainable farming across Goa.
- ICAR-CCARI scientists guide farmers on soil health.
- Farmers receive Jeevamrut drums, seeds and natural inputs.
- Crop diversification creates opportunities for improved farm income.
Goa Strengthens the Shift Towards Sustainable Agriculture
Goa is strengthening its focus on sustainable agriculture by encouraging farmers to adopt natural farming, restore soil health, and diversify their crops. Through the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan, the Goa-based ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CCARI), Old Goa, is taking scientific agricultural guidance and practical farming support directly to villages ahead of the Rabi season.
The initiative encourages farmers to look beyond conventional cultivation practices and adopt methods that improve soil fertility, reduce dependence on chemical inputs and support long-term agricultural productivity. By combining scientific expertise with traditional farming knowledge, the campaign aims to make agriculture more sustainable and economically rewarding.
Taking Scientific Guidance Directly to Farmers
The campaign has already started influencing farming decisions in villages such as Karmali. Farmer Nandu Bhomkar, for instance, is preparing to cultivate cucumbers commercially during the Rabi season and is exploring natural farming practices, balanced nutrient management and crop diversification.
Another farmer, Nilesh Khandeparker, highlighted how ICAR-CCARI scientists have helped farmers through soil testing and the use of organic manure and vermicompost. Such interventions have helped improve soil health and agricultural yields.
As part of the campaign, farmers from different villages received drums to prepare Jeevamrut, a natural farming input that supports beneficial microbial activity and improves soil health.
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Building Healthier Soil Through Natural Inputs
Healthy soil forms the foundation of productive agriculture. Recognising this, ICAR-CCARI is encouraging farmers to adopt balanced nutrient management and reduce excessive dependence on chemical fertilisers.
Scientists also distributed vegetable seeds, neem oil, Trichoderma and sickles to support farmers in adopting sustainable cultivation practices.
ICAR-CCARI Director Parveen Kumar emphasised the importance of maintaining soil health and diversifying crops. He encouraged farmers to cultivate vegetables and pulses during the Rabi season to improve farm earnings while protecting ecological balance.
Senior Scientist Shripad Bhat explained how leguminous crops improve soil fertility through natural nitrogen fixation. He also highlighted favourable market opportunities and the potential for cowpea farmers to secure better prices.
Crop Diversification Opens New Income Opportunities
The campaign also promotes integrated farming systems (IFS), which allow farmers to combine different agricultural activities and make better use of available resources.
ICAR-CCARI Senior Scientist Paramesha V explained how integrated farming systems can improve farm profitability, support year-round nutritional security and encourage resource recycling. He also highlighted the importance of integrated nutrient management in maintaining long-term soil fertility.
By encouraging farmers to grow vegetables, pulses and other suitable crops, the initiative seeks to reduce dependence on a single crop and create additional income opportunities throughout the year.
How Goan Farmers Stand to Benefit
The Khet Bachao Abhiyan brings practical benefits to Goa’s farming community:
- Better soil health: Natural inputs and balanced nutrient management help restore soil fertility.
- Lower input dependence: Natural farming practices can reduce reliance on chemical fertilisers.
- Improved farm earnings: Crop diversification opens opportunities for better market returns.
- Scientific support: Farmers gain access to expert advice, soil testing and practical demonstrations.
- Sustainable cultivation: Integrated farming helps conserve resources and strengthen agricultural resilience.
Strengthening Goa’s Agricultural Future
Through initiatives such as Khet Bachao Abhiyan, Goa is encouraging farmers to combine scientific knowledge with sustainable agricultural practices. The campaign goes beyond distributing farming materials; it brings expert guidance closer to cultivators and helps them make informed decisions about soil management, crop selection and farm profitability.
By supporting healthier soils, diversified cultivation and natural farming methods, ICAR-CCARI is helping Goa’s farmers build a more resilient agricultural future while strengthening the state’s commitment to sustainable rural development.
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