Goa, 26 May 2022

 

One day state level workshop on ‘Kulagar’ farming system was organized by ICAR-CCARI today to address the issues of ‘Kulagar’ a conventional homestead system of farming in Goa. Shri Narendra Sawaikar, Chairman Goa Bagayatdar Sahakari Kharedi Vikri Saunstha Maryadit inaugurated the one day workshop. Shri Parveen Kumar, Director, ICAR-CCARI; Dr Milind Bhirud, General Manager, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, Shri Nevil Alphonso, Director, Directorate of Agriculture were present on the occasion.

In inaugural address Shri Narendra Sawaikar said that ‘Kulagar’ is a unique farming system preserved in Goa. It needs to be profitable for the farmers, since it is the main source of income for the majority of farmers. Shri Sawaikar highlighted the issue of vermin animals causing trouble for farmers. He urged ICAR- CCARI to research more on the effect of climate change on ‘Kulagar’ and set up a separate system in the institute for addressing grievances and also to seek suggestions.

Shri Parveen Kumar, Director, ICAR-CCARI informed that the institute is working on the textbook titled ‘Kulagar’- Treasure of Happiness’.  He urged farmers to take benefits of the government schemes to enhance their income. ICAR-CCARI will address the grievances of ‘Kulagar’ issues with the help of a dedicated WhatsApp Group, informed the Director.  

Dr Milind Bhirud, General Manager, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development appealed to the farmers to make maximum use of the agricultural subsidies and loan schemes. He said that NABARD would extend all possible support to the farmers.

“State Government has initiated the process to form 'Farmer Producer Organizations' in the state. 10 FPOs- 5 in North Goa and 5 in South Goa are ready to work within next six months”, informed Shri Nevil Alphonso, Director of Agriculture.   

Shri R.Ganesh, Assistant General Manager, Canara Bank and Shri Sachin Gharat, Chief Manager, Sales and Development, State Bank of India informed the farmers about the various schemes by the government to be implemented through public sector banks. Kulagar farmers, officials of Department of Agriculture, Govt. of Goa; Scientists of ICAR-CARRI, Goa, officials from Goa Bagayatdar society, Bankers, Policy makers, representatives from industries and NGO's were present for the workshop. There were around 150 participants in the workshop. Stalls were put-up by Jain Irrigation Systems and Zuari Agro Chemicals on this occasion.

About ‘Kulagar’

Goa and Konkan region of Maharashtra and Karnataka are blessed with the diversity of tropical flora and fauna due to the proximity to the Western Ghats. Farmers of Konkan region specially Goa, have a conventional homestead system of gardening transmitted from their ancestors called ‘Kulagar’.  Farming of Areca nut, coconut in a multi storey system which includes medicinal plants, plantation crops, spices and local vegetables and flower plants integrated in a meticulous way for the conservation of natural flora and fauna, conservation of soil, preserving natural water resources. Integrated farming system is one of the peculiar features of the system. It conserves traditional crops and technologies. New generation farmers introduce advanced production technologies to this system and take it to new dimensions like value addition and processing, agro ecotourism and on-farm conservation of genetic resources. Kulagar system has features of crop diversification, recycling of resources, organic production, water harvesting and soil and water conservation that makes it an exclusive, sustainable system for horticulture crop production.

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