The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), Goa State Council, in collaboration with the Government of Goa, successfully organised the ‘Agriculture Conclave 2025’ on 8th October 2025 at Taj Vivanta, Panjim – Goa.
The conclave was convened with the objective of deliberating on the adoption of climate-resilient farming practices, integration of technology, promotion of innovative solutions, and development of sustainable agricultural infrastructure. It also sought to strengthen the agro-industries ecosystem and promote agri-start-ups across the state.
This platform effectively brought together policymakers, industry leaders, experts, and key stakeholders to address sectoral challenges and formulate a collaborative roadmap for sustainable agricultural growth.
Inaugural Session
Mauvin Godinho, Minister for Industries, Panchayats, Transport, Protocol and Legislative Affairs, Government of Goa, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. He inaugurated the conclave and released a knowledge report jointly prepared by ASSOCHAM and Primus Partners India, titled ‘Empowering Small-Scale Players in India’s Food Supply Chain can Unleash Rs 1000 Crore.’
The report focuses on strengthening the agricultural ecosystem and fostering entrepreneurship opportunities in Goa.
In his special address, Godinho emphasised the importance of innovation and technological integration in the agriculture and allied sectors to ensure sustainable growth. He encouraged industries to establish synergistic linkages between tourism, agriculture, and food processing, aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of farmers and promoting agri-preneurship.
Arjun Mohan, IAS, Secretary to the Governor, Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, Government of Goa, attended as the Guest of Honour, while Sandeep Foldessai, Director, Department of Agriculture, Government of Goa, was the Special Guest.
Sandeep Dharkar delivered the Keynote Address, offering valuable insights into recent developments in the agricultural sector and forthcoming initiatives designed to accelerate Goa’s economic development.
Mangurish Pai Raiker, Chairman, ASSOCHAM Goa Council, extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries and participants, while Dr Sagar Salgaocar, Co-Chairman, proposed the vote of thanks at the inaugural session.
Panel Discussion I – ‘The Role of Technology and Innovation in Agriculture’
The first panel discussion explored the transformative role of technology and innovation in enhancing efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in agriculture.
The panellists shared forward-looking insights on establishing climate-smart and tech-driven farming systems, inspiring optimism for the future of the sector. 
The distinguished panellists included: D. S. Prashant, CEO, Start-up and IT Promotion Cell, Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Government of Goa; Sai Rane, Founder, Neural Kissan; Arindam Pal, Vice President, Primus Partners; Malcolm Afonso, Founder, Spatial Craft; and Ishu Bindal, Founder, Clean Carbon. The session was moderated by Capt. Utpal Datta, Founder Director, Nishtha Vigyan Pvt. Ltd.
Panel Discussion II – ‘Post-Harvest Management and Value Addition’
The second panel discussion focused on post-harvest management, value addition, and infrastructure development for agri-produce.
The dialogue emphasised the need for interventions and actionable solutions to address post-harvest losses, alongside the deployment of modern technologies and development of critical infrastructure, such as cold chain facilities and pack houses, suitable for Goa’s agricultural landscape.
The esteemed panellists included: Dr Suresh Kunkalikar, Dean, Goa College of Agriculture; John Rodrigues, COO, The Warehousing Company; Rajendra Jadhav, CEO, GoanFest Foods and Beverages Pvt. Ltd.; and Sankaran Ramamurthy, Founder, Frigoscan Post Harvest Technologies.
The discussion was moderated by Thakur Purushottam Singh, Business Head, GMR Goa Air Cargo.
Roundtable Discussion – ‘Strengthening pre and post-Harvest Systems: A Policy Perspective for Goa’
The roundtable discussion provided a platform for interactive dialogue on policy initiatives in agriculture, encouraging collaboration among diverse stakeholders to develop a shared understanding of policy priorities for Goa’s agri-sector.
Sandeep Foldessai, Director, Department of Agriculture, Government of Goa, was the Special Guest and elaborated on various government schemes supporting farmers and food processors, as well as departmental efforts to combat climate change.
The roundtable was moderated by Ramakrishnan, Managing Director, Primus Partners India (Agriculture & Climate Change). 
The speakers were Vishwas Kadam, DGM, NABARD Goa who shared insights on credit facilitation for agriculture; Mahesh K. Patil, Founder, NV Eco Farm highlighted current policy initiatives in food processing and agriculture; Naveen Kumar, MD, Goa State Cooperative Milk Producers Union Ltd (Goa Dairy) discussed reformatory actions essential for strengthening Goa’s dairy sector; Sankaran Ramamurthy, Founder, Frigoscan Post Harvest Technologies spoke on value addition and infrastructure development in agriculture and allied sectors; Deepak Sharma, Ganpat University elaborated on the integration of agri-entrepreneurship within academic curricula; Ulhas Phaldessai, Former Chairman, The Goa State Co-operative Bank Ltd outlined how digital initiatives are being rapidly adopted by cooperative banks across the state; Dr Jaanavi S. Prabhudesai, Founder, Hrushived shared her journey as a woman entrepreneur and the challenges faced by start-ups in the agri-business sector.
Additionally, Prajval Desai, Project Manager, State Project Management Unit – PMFME Scheme, Department of Industries, Trade & Commerce, Government of Goa, provided detailed guidance on new developments under the PMFME Scheme of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India. 
Atif Rahman, Project Manager, State Project Management Unit, elaborated on the salient features of the newly launched Goa Warehousing & Logistics Scheme.
Rajkumar Hijiani, AGM (SME), and Parmeshwar Nawghare, Manager, State Bank of India, Goa, shared valuable insights on financial inclusion and credit facilities available for agri-industries to initiate or expand their enterprises.
