18th March 2025, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI), in collaboration with its KVKs, inaugurated the Dweep Agro-Eco Walk at its Horticulture Farm in Sippighat and the 2-day Kisan Mela-cum-Exhibition at Garacharma Farm today.
Dr Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, inaugurated the agro-eco walk and also participated in a tree planting ceremony, planting coffee trees at the Sippighat farm.
Ms Pallavi Sarkar, IAS, Secretary of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, was also present during the inauguration.
In his inaugural speech, Dr Kumar lauded ICAR-CIARI’s role in advancing agricultural technology and its contributions to sectors like agriculture, horticulture, livestock, and fisheries. He emphasized the importance of agriculture to India's economy and the challenges faced by urban residents in managing small kitchen gardens, which mirror the struggles of large-scale farmers who need technical support to avoid losses.
He also highlighted the significance of the agro-eco walk initiative and stressed the importance of branding organic produce for better market acceptance and tourism. The Chief Secretary urged greater collaboration between ICAR-CIARI and local development departments to ensure that technological advancements reach island farmers and contribute to the island's economic growth. He pointed out that many farmers focus on areca nut cultivation due to its resilience, but recommended diversifying into more labor-intensive crops like paddy, spices, and vegetables while emphasizing the role of food processing, branding, and packaging in boosting farmers' profits.
Dr Kumar visited all 22 stalls at the Kisan Mela, interacting with scientists and appreciating the technologies aimed at improving farmers' incomes. The stalls featured displays from ICAR-CIARI, the Department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, NABARD, SBI, SHGs, PPVFRA, and private companies.
Dr E.B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, outlined the institute’s mission, stressing its importance to farmers and stakeholders in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.
Dr Pooja Bohra, Senior Scientist, coordinated the event.
Around 250 farmers, farmwomen, and schoolchildren participated in the event.
(Source: ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram)
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