Visit of Press Tour Media Delegation to ICAR–CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram

9–10 February 2026, Sri Vijaya Puram

A media delegation comprising journalists from prominent national and regional print and electronic media outlets visited the ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR–CIARI), Garacharma, during 9–10 February 2026. The delegation included representatives from Chennai (Tamil Nadu) and Raipur. The visit was coordinated by the Press Information Bureau to provide firsthand insights into the Institute’s research advancements and agricultural technologies tailored to the unique agro-ecological conditions of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Dr. Jai Sunder, Director, ICAR–CIARI, briefed the delegation on the Institute’s mandate, key research activities, and major achievements. A press meet was organized during the visit, where the Director and Heads of Divisions addressed queries from media representatives, offering detailed clarifications on research outcomes, technology dissemination, and future initiatives.

The journalists engaged in extensive interactions with scientists to understand ongoing research programmes, livelihood-oriented technologies, youth engagement in agriculture, and efforts aimed at ensuring sustainable food and nutritional security in the islands. Discussions covered conservation of indigenous germplasm, efficient land-use strategies, development of disease-resistant crop varieties, and the challenges arising from the islands’ dependence on the mainland for essential commodities such as milk, meat, and vegetables. Scientists elaborated on initiatives designed to enhance local production systems and promote self-reliance.

On 9 February 2026, the delegation also visited the World Coconut Germplasm Centre at Sippighat, where Dr. Ajit Arun Waman, Senior Scientist, highlighted ICAR-CIARI’s agro-eco-tourism initiatives and the conservation efforts under the coconut gene bank programme. The team toured the Spice Processing Unit, Mangrove Viewpoint, Plantation-Based Organic Spice Garden, and the Nature Trail, collectively demonstrating ICAR–CIARI’s integrated approach to conservation, research, and sustainable livelihood development.

Shri Arun Kumar, Director, PM’s Communication Cell & PIB Chennai, and Shri Ramesh Jaibhaye, Deputy Director, PIB Raipur, appreciated ICAR–CIARI for organizing informative interactions and well-structured field visits that offered comprehensive exposure to the Institute’s research, innovations, and community outreach initiatives.

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