ICAR–KVK, CCARI North Goa Promotes Biofortified Finger Millet

5 August 2026, Goa

ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra, North Goa, under the ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Old Goa, organized a training on "Promoting Nutri-Smart Agriculture with Biofortified Finger Millet for Health and Prosperity" at Ugavem Panchayat, Pernem, North Goa, today. The programme aimed to enhance farmers' knowledge on scientific nutrient management in finger millet cultivation while promoting the cultivation of the biofortified finger millet variety 'Indravati' to improve nutritional security, climate resilience, and farm profitability.

The Chief Guest, Ms. Siya Sunil Dhuri, Deputy Sarpanch, Ugavem-Tamboxem, Mopa, North Goa, appreciated the efforts of ICAR–KVK, CCARI North Goa in organizing farmer-oriented training programmes and encouraged farmers to adopt the cultivation of biofortified finger millet (Indravati) to improve nutritional security, promote better health, and enhance farm income. She also emphasized the importance of scientific farming practices and urged farmers to actively participate in future extension programmes organized by ICAR–KVK.

The importance of the biofortified finger millet variety ‘Indravati’ in improving nutritional security and enhancing farmers’ income was highlighted. Its nutritional and health benefits were explained, and farmers were encouraged to adopt this climate-resilient crop. Awareness was also created about the potential for value addition in finger millet through the preparation of products such as flour, laddoos, malt, biscuits, and other nutritious food items, which can provide additional income to farm families.

The package of practices for finger millet cultivation was also discussed, covering land preparation, seed treatment, sowing, integrated nutrient management, weed management, and crop protection. It was emphasized that finger millet can be cultivated both under open-field conditions and as an intercrop, allowing farmers to utilize land resources more efficiently, diversify cropping systems, and improve farm productivity and income.

A total of 31 farmers, comprising 22 male and 09 female participants, attended the programme. At the conclusion of the programme, biofortified finger millet (Indravati) seeds were distributed to all participants to promote the cultivation of nutrient-rich millets and enhance nutritional security in the region.

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