Panaji, Goa 16 July, 2026

ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CCARI), Goa, celebrated the 98thFoundation Day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) on today 16^th July, at its campus in Old Goa. Shri Digambar Kamat, Minister for Public Works Department (PWD), Legal Metrology, and Captain of Ports, Government of Goa, attended the event as the Chief Guest.

Speaking on the occasion Shri. Kamat praised the 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, lauded ICAR for strengthening Goa's agricultural sector and enhancing the State's national prominence through agricultural research and education. He further said that the establishment of an institution for agricultural and animal husbandry in Goa would encourage youth to pursue agriculture and agro entrepreneurship. 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 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.

Dr. Gopal R. Mahajan, Senior Scientist of ICAR-CCARI, presented the Institute's glorious journey, 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 to closely experience and interact with the institute's research-driven innovations.

Shri Rahul Kulkarni, Assistant Chief Technical Officer (Agronomy), welcomed the gathering, while the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. N. Bommayasamy, Senior Scientist & Head, ICAR-KVK, North Goa.  Pls add these para on red marking place

More than 200 farmers’ participants, including farm women, attended the program.

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Source- ICAR-CCARI, PRO, Goa/PIB Panaji/AY/PK

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