Page 26 - Biotechnology newsletter 2023-24

Field Trip to ICAR, Old Goa

The students of FY BSc Biotechnology had to visit a botanical site as part of their syllabus,
we went to ‘ICAR Old Goa’ on 17 March 2023. We all met at the main gate and started with
the Tour at 10 am, we were accompanied by Ms. Jenica Rangel and Ms. Sonali Kajoli. There
were a few other institutions for the same tour as ours. Our Guide was Mr. Vinod
Ubarhande, Nodal Officer, he welcomed us all with an introductory speech, he mentioned
that it was one of the largest research networks in the world and the area is around 51
Hectors. After the introductory speech, he took us to the coconut based plantation, where
they used methods of intercropping so that the crops don’t compete for sunlight, space, or
nutrients. Between the coconut trees there were plantations of banana trees, spices,
Heliconia sp. and they also had beehives in this part of the institution. We next visited the
Germplasm Collection Block, here hybrids are identified, collected or created, there is a
variation in the population of the same type of mango, it also functions as a preserve for
plants in case of a cyclone or a natural disaster.

We visited the Integral Farming System, here they select the best version of the crop and
grow it, like the 4 variations of cashew. A single crop and multicrop system is operated
here, also an intergrated farming involving animals is also practiced, farms an fields are
well planned for the farmer to have a sustainable income and diversifying plants. To reduce
the resources and thus less input of the farmer. We next visited the Fish Breeding Unit
where fish from brackish as well as fresh water are bred. Fishes such as Chonak and Rohu
are bred here, there is stocking of the fish and collection and development of the eggs.
Some structures plated in the rivers to help boost the population of fish by providing them
with protection and privacy. The last thing we visited was the Animal Farm and Fodder
Unit where they had Rabbits, different types of Cows (Sahiwal, Gir, Shweta Kapila and
Crossbreeds),Pigs (Local, European and mix breeds). They also got a Godavari buffalo when
we were there. The structures were built in such a way that the animals don’t get attacked
by snakes or any animals that could cause them harm. There also was an area for the
growth of fodder for the animals. We ended the tour by asking a few questions and clicking
a class picture.
~ Rochelle Rocha
F.Y. B.Sc Biotechnology (2022-2023)

Class of FY BSc Biotechnology (2022-2023)

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