ICAR-CCARI Participates in First Regional Advisory Committee Meeting on Harnessing Solar Potential in Goa

23 June 2025, Goa

ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa, actively participated in the inaugural meeting of the Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) on “Harnessing Solar Potential in Goa: Forging Stakeholder Partnerships and Community Engagement”, organized by NABARD, Goa today.

Dr. Parveen Kumar, Director, ICAR-CCARI, graced the event as Guest of Honour. In his address, he underscored the significant role of solar energy in agriculture, emphasizing its potential to reduce cultivation costs and minimize carbon emissions. He also highlighted various initiatives undertaken by ICAR-CCARI to integrate solar energy within the institute, including the use of solar dryers for processing horticultural produce and the implementation of solar-powered irrigation systems.

Shri Sandeep Dharkar, General Manager, NABARD, Goa, welcomed the participants and outlined the objectives of the meeting, which focused on fostering collaboration among stakeholders to leverage solar energy for sustainable development in the state.

The meeting witnessed participation from key stakeholders such as the Goa State Cooperative Bank, Department of New and Renewable Energy (Government of Goa), Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA), Directorate of Agriculture, State Bank of India, local farmers, and representatives from various line departments.

A key highlight of the event was the release of the PM-KUSUM scheme guidelines by the Central Government, along with a roadmap for promoting renewable energy and clean technologies in the fisheries sector in Goa. The roadmap was prepared by MP Ensystems Private Limited.

The meeting marked a significant step toward building a collaborative framework for accelerating the adoption of solar energy solutions in Goa’s agricultural and allied sectors.

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