Minister PWD, Goa graces 98th ICAR Foundation Day

16 July 2026, Goa

ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa, celebrated the 98th Foundation Day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) today in Old Goa.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Digambar Kamat, Minister for Public Works Department (PWD), Legal Metrology and Captain of Ports, Government of Goa, and Chief Guest, congratulated ICAR for its outstanding contribution to Indian agriculture over the past 97 years. He appealed to the youth to take up agriculture as a business and continue the farming legacy.

He emphasized that ICAR's research and technological innovations should focus on improving the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers. Referring to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and the Government of Goa's commitment to Viksit Goa by 2037, he said these goals could be realized only through a strong, progressive and sustainable agricultural sector.

Shri Rajesh Faldessai, MLA, Cumbarjua Constituency, Goa, and Guest of Honour, lauded ICAR for strengthening Goa's agricultural sector and enhancing the State's national prominence through agricultural research and education.

He said the establishment of an agricultural and animal husbandry in Goa would encourage youth to pursue agriculture and agripreneurship. He also appealed to farmers and youth to take up farming and make Goa and the country greener for a sustainable future.

Shri Govind Parvatkar, Chairman, Goa Higher Education Corporation, and Guest of Honour, stressed the need to enhance local vegetable production and improve the productivity of Goa's Khazan lands to meet the growing demand for food.

Expressing concern over the steady decline in agricultural land due to land conversion, he underscored the importance of protecting farmland and promoting organic farming to help farmers secure premium prices while ensuring sustainable agricultural development.

Dr Parveen Kumar, Director, ICAR-CCARI, Goa, highlighted ICAR's transformative role in converting India from a food-deficit to a food-surplus nation through science-led agricultural innovations. He noted that although India's population has increased 4.1 times in the last 75 years, the food grain production has increased 7.4 times, due to improved crop varieties, modern technologies, mechanization, and effective research-extension systems, thereby ensuring national food security and sustainable agricultural growth.

Senior Officials presented the Institute's glorious journey, highlighting its pioneering contributions to coastal agricultural research and technology development. They showcased the Institute's achievements in developing climate-resilient technologies, sustainable management of coastal ecosystems, and farmer-centric innovations that have significantly strengthened agriculture and rural livelihoods in the coastal region.

An exhibition showcasing the institute's innovative technologies and products was organized, providing dignitaries, farmers, youth, and other participants with a unique opportunity to closely experience and interact with the institute's research-driven innovations.

More than 200 participants, including over 100 farmers and farm women, attended the celebration.

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