Director, ICAR–CCARI, Goa Graces NABARD Goa’s 45th Foundation Day

14 July 2026, Panaji, Goa

Dr Parveen Kumar, Director, ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa, attended the 45th Foundation Day of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Goa Regional Office, as the Chief Guest.

The programme was held at the Head Office of The Goa State Cooperative Bank Ltd. (Goa StCB), Patto, Panaji, and was organised around the theme of the International Year of Women Farmers, highlighting the pivotal role of women in agriculture, rural livelihoods and sustainable development.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Parveen Kumar congratulated NABARD on completing 45 years of dedicated service to the nation and acknowledged the institution’s significant contribution to agricultural and rural development. He appreciated the longstanding collaboration between ICAR–CCARI and NABARD in implementing several developmental initiatives across Goa, including projects on the rejuvenation of Khazan lands, promotion of sustainable agriculture and development of finfish fisheries.

In his keynote address, Dr Kumar highlighted the Institute’s ongoing research programmes, technology dissemination activities and farmer-centric initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and strengthening rural livelihoods in the State. He emphasised that strong partnerships between research institutions and development-financing agencies such as NABARD are essential for translating scientific innovations into tangible benefits for coastal farming and fishing communities.

The programme was also graced by Shri Ashutosh Apte, Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Government of Goa; Dr Prashant Kadam, General Manager, Reserve Bank of India; Shri Pandurang Kurtikar, Chairman, The Goa State Cooperative Bank Ltd.; Smt. Deepali Naik, Director, Rural Development and Additional Charge Project Director; and Smt. Savita Ramesh Tawadkar, Chairperson, Beekeeping Farmer Producer Organisation, along with women farmers from different parts of Goa.

Marking the International Year of Women Farmers 2026, progressive women farmers from across Goa were felicitated for their outstanding contributions to organic farming, integrated farming systems, agri-processing and community-led agricultural enterprises. The felicitation recognised their achievements in enhancing farm productivity, adopting sustainable agricultural practices and inspiring rural communities through innovation and entrepreneurship.

A major highlight of the event was an interactive experience-sharing session, during which the honoured women farmers narrated their entrepreneurial journeys and shared practical insights on modern farming practices, value addition, enterprise management and the challenges encountered in the agricultural sector. An exhibition organised alongside the programme featured stalls showcasing a diverse range of products developed and marketed by Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), demonstrating the growing role of collective rural enterprises in promoting local products, value addition and sustainable livelihood generation.

The celebration concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to strengthen the participation of women in agriculture, expand financial inclusion, facilitate access to improved technologies and markets, and promote sustainable rural development. ICAR–CCARI reaffirmed its commitment to continue working closely with NABARD and partner agencies to advance inclusive and sustainable agricultural and rural transformation in Goa and along India’s west coast.

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