Field Day on High-Yielding Rice Varieties Organized at Bloomsdale Research Farm

2 September 2026, Sri Vijaya Puram

A Field Day programme on “Enhancement of Productivity and Production of Paddy through Demonstration of High-Yielding Rice Varieties” was organized at Bloomsdale Research Farm, Chouldari, by the ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram, in collaboration with ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, South Andaman.

The programme was organized under the overall guidance of the Director, ICAR-CIARI, with the objective of creating awareness among farmers about high-yielding rice varieties, improved production technologies, and sustainable agricultural practices suitable for the Islands.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by the Farm Manager, Bloomsdale Research Farm, who provided an overview of the research, demonstration, and farm management activities being undertaken at the farm for the benefit of farmers and other stakeholders.

During the field demonstration, scientists from ICAR-CIARI showcased the performance of various high-yielding rice varieties developed and demonstrated by the Institute. The farmers were briefed on improved varieties and advanced production technologies aimed at enhancing rice productivity and production under Island conditions. The scientists also interacted with the farmers and discussed various agricultural issues and challenges faced by them.

A natural farming-based rice field was also demonstrated by ICAR-KVK, South Andaman. The demonstration highlighted the importance of natural farming practices in promoting sustainable, environmentally friendly, and climate-resilient agriculture.

The participating farmers were encouraged to adopt improved rice varieties and suitable advanced agricultural technologies developed and demonstrated by ICAR-CIARI. It was emphasized that the adoption of appropriate technologies can contribute significantly to increasing crop productivity and production, improving farm incomes and livelihoods, and promoting sustainable agriculture in the Islands.

A total of 43 farmers, including 32 women and 11 men, from North and Middle Andaman participated in the programme. The participants benefited from technical deliberations, farmer–scientist interactions, and field demonstrations on improved rice production technologies. Officials from the Directorate of Agriculture, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, also participated in the programme.

The Field Day provided an effective platform for technology dissemination and strengthened interaction between farmers, scientists, and agricultural officials, with a focus on improving rice productivity and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

(Source: ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram)