Rice Cultivation in Lowland Conditions Across North and Middle Andaman by ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram

25–26 May 2026, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram, successfully organized two Awareness-cum-Training Programmes on Rice Cultivation in Lowland Conditions of Andaman & Nicobar Islands at Sitapur, Rangat on 25 May 2026 and Sitanagar Gram Panchayat, Diglipur on 26 May 2026. The programmes were conducted in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, with support from ICAR-KVK Nimbudera at Rangat, under the financial assistance of the AICRP Seed (Crops) Project.

The programmes aimed to create awareness among farmers on improved rice cultivation practices and technologies suitable for the lowland ecosystems of the islands, thereby enhancing rice productivity and sustainability.

During the programme the emphasis was laid on the importance of strengthening farmer awareness on modern rice cultivation practices, quality seed production, and the adoption of improved agricultural technologies for sustainable rice production in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Expert lectures on improved high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of rice, quality seed production, scientific rice cultivation practices, and soil fertility management for sustainable enhancement of rice productivity in the islands was delivered during the programme.

At the Sitapur programme, Mrs. Sherly Thomas, Assistant Director of Agriculture, Rangat, provided an overview of the training programme and highlighted the significance of adopting improved technologies for increasing rice productivity in lowland areas.

Balanced use of fertilizers and soil fertility improvement strategies for sustainable crop production was discussed while a lecture on mechanization in rice cultivation and explained the benefits of farm mechanization in reducing labour requirements and improving operational efficiency was also delivered.

Interactive sessions were held during both programmes, wherein farmers actively engaged with scientists and officials, raising queries related to rice cultivation, nutrient management, soil fertility, crop production, and farm mechanization. The participants appreciated the initiative and expressed keen interest in adopting the recommended technologies and practices in their fields.

A total of 53 farmers participated in the two programmes, including 30 male and 23 female farmers. The Sitapur programme witnessed the participation of 33 farmers (15 male and 18 female) from nearby villages, while the Sitanagar programme was attended by 20 farmers (15 male and 5 female).

Both programmes were organized successfully under the overall guidance of the Director, ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram, and concluded with positive feedback from the participating farmers.

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