PANAJI: A function was held at Krishi Vigyan Kendra campus of ICAR Research Complex, on Friday, to distribute farm machinery, tools and equipment and rice seeds and fertilizers to 42 farmers of the Sateri Farmers Club, Dhulapi.

Dr M M  Pandey, deputy director general, agricultural engineering (ICAR), New Delhi, was the chief guest and Ms Supriya Kerker, sarpanch of Dhulapi village, Dr N P Singh, director, ICAR, Dr K R Kranthi, director, CICR, Nagpur and others were also present.
Dr Rajnarayan welcomed and informed about the assistance provided to ST farming community.
He said the project was aimed at drudgery reduction and entrepreneurship development.
Dr Singh revealed that ` 75 lakh budget provided during 2011-12, was spent on providing assistance to seven groups from Khotigao Canacona and Dhulapi.
He said during the year other villages like Karmali, Mandur, etc, will be considered for similar assistance.
Dr M M Pandey, in his keynote address, expressed satisfaction and complimented KVK for their close association with the farming community and said Dhulapi was an excellent example where ICAR corporate partnership, the local elected body and zonal agricultural officer were united.
He said Goa is blessed with natural resources where tropical crops like cereals, pulses, oilseeds and horticultural crops and spices, vegetables and floriculture, besides animal husbandry and fisheries, can flourish. 
During the function a technical folder on pest management in black pepper and health cards to 12 farmers from Dhulapi were released and distributed.
A tree plantation programme was also held, followed by distribution of farm machinery and equipment.
Mr V Y Gaonkar compered the function while Mr Prabhudesai proposed the vote of thanks.