ATMA, North Goa, Reviews Agricultural Extension Activities and Climate-Resilient Farming Strategies

The meeting reviewed ATMA’s achievements since April 2026, along with the action plan and Action Taken Report (ATR) of the 15th DFAC meeting. Progressive farmer leaders from various blocks of North Goa shared field-level experiences, highlighted agricultural challenges and discussed measures to strengthen extension services.

A key focus of the meeting was climate-resilient agriculture, particularly soil moisture conservation and moisture-stress management under changing climatic conditions. Experts highlighted practices such as crop residue mulching, cover cropping, broad-bed-and-furrow systems, ridges and furrows, and micro-catchment techniques, including V-shaped ditches and circular basins, to improve rainwater harvesting and soil moisture retention.

The discussions also covered seed hardening, the judicious use of antitranspirants to reduce moisture loss from plants, crop-specific moisture-stress management practices and organic weed management to minimise competition for soil moisture and support sustainable crop production.

A total of 18 officials from ATMA, North Goa, the Zonal Agriculture Office and progressive farmers participated in the meeting. The participants exchanged experiences and deliberated on practical approaches to address emerging agricultural challenges and promote climate-resilient farming practices in North Goa.

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