Panaji: For Karmali-based farmer Nandu Bhomkar, the end of the kharif season transitioned into rabi by default since time immemorial. From this season on, he focuses on natural farming, balanced nutrient management, soil health restoration, climate-resilient practices and crop diversification. This transition came after the nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ campaign in Goa was launched by ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CCARI), Old Goa, to nurture healthier soils and promote sustainable farming ahead of the rabi season.“This season we will grow cucumbers on a commercial scale, and having the right kind of guidance to prepare the land accordingly is of utmost importance,” Bhomkar told TOI.“Earlier we used manure to restore the soil’s nutrients, which later on led many farmers to use chemical fertilisers. However, over the past decade or so, we have sought the expertise of ICAR-CCARI scientists. They conduct soil testing and provide us with organic dung and vermicompost for application. This has brought major changes to the soil health and yield,” Nilesh Khandeparker, another farmer, told TOI.As part of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan, farmers from varying villages across Goa received drums to prepare Jeevamrut, a natural input that supports soil health and beneficial microbial activity.Parveen Kumar, director of ICAR-CCARI, Goa, highlighted the importance of maintaining soil health and adopting crop diversification. He encouraged farmers to cultivate vegetables and pulses during the Rabi season to maximise farm income and ensure ecological sustainability.Shripad Bhat, senior scientist (agricultural economics), explained how leguminous crops improve soil fertility through natural nitrogen fixation, highlighting favourable market conditions and higher price realisation for cowpea farmers.Farmers were given vegetable seeds, neem oil, Trichoderma and sickles.Paramesha V, senior scientist (agronomy), discussed the integration of diverse farm enterprises under integrated farming systems (IFS). He explained how IFS models enhance farm profitability, ensure year-round nutritional security, and optimise resource recycling. He also explained the importance of integrated nutrient management in maintaining soil fertility.
