Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in collaboration with the ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CCARI) Goa, NABARD and Goa Tourism Development Corporation; jointly conducted a one-day workshop on Agro-Ecotourism recently at the Science Technology and Industry (STI) Hub in Gaondongrem village, Canacona Block, South Goa. The program was initiated under the project funded by the Science for Equity Empowerment and Development (SEED) Division, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.
The event saw the participation of over 35 progressive farmers and members of the Farmers Association-Jan Vikas Vividha Karyakaru Sahakari Seva Saunstha Maryajit from the region, along with experts and officials from key stakeholder organisations.
The workshop aimed to introduce the concept of agro-ecotourism and explore its potential as a sustainable livelihood strategy for rural communities.
Following the formal inauguration, technical sessions were held, during which experts from ICAR-CCARI, NABARD-Goa, and the GTDC shared insights on agro-ecotourism models, best practices in integrated farming, and opportunities for convergent tourism and agriculture.
Dr. R. Solomon Rajkumar, Senior Scientist at ICAR-CCARI, elaborated on the scope of blending scientific farming with rural tourism. At the same time, Vinod A. Ubarhande, Farm Superintendent, highlighted local innovations suitable for the region.
Rupesh Bhamoikar, District Development Manager (South) of NABARD-Goa, shared financing opportunities, and Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager (Marketing) at GTDC-Goa, emphasised the need for branding and rural tourism promotion.
A key outcome of the workshop was the collective proposal by farmers and stakeholders to develop Gaondongrem as a model agro-ecotourism village. The initiative aims to bring together all relevant institutions to promote nature-based tourism, climate-resilient farming practices, and community-based development.
The event concluded with a field visit showcasing agro-ecological farming models and interactive sessions with local farmers. The workshop was an essential platform for knowledge sharing and collaborative planning to position Gaondongrem as a beacon of sustainable rural development in Goa.
