Strengthening Island Agriculture through Scientific Vegetable Production: 7-Day Skill Training Concludes at ICAR-KVK (NDRI), Nadia

14 September 2026, Kalyani

A seven-day skill training programme on “Package of Practices on Vegetable Cultivation & Production Technologies” for farmers and officials from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands concluded successfully today at ICAR-KVK (NDRI), Nadia, with a focus on equipping participants with practical, location-specific technologies for enhancing vegetable productivity, profitability and nutritional security in the island region. The training was designed to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and field-level application, covering key areas including scientific vegetable production, nursery management, protected cultivation, natural farming, micro-irrigation, integrated farming systems, plant protection, post-harvest management and value addition.

Special emphasis was placed on technologies and practices adaptable to the unique agro-climatic and resource conditions of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

The valedictory programme was graced by Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Kolkata, as the Chief Guest, while Dr Santanu Banik, Head, ERS, ICAR-NDRI, Kalyani, attended as the Special Guest.

Sharing their experiences, the participating farmers and officials appreciated the hands-on demonstrations, expert interactions, field visits and practical exposure provided during the programme. The participants particularly highlighted the relevance of protected cultivation, efficient irrigation, natural farming and scientific crop management practices for overcoming production constraints in the islands.

In his valedictory address, Dr Dey emphasised that strong and sustainable island agriculture is integral to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, as empowering farmers in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands can strengthen food and nutritional security, livelihoods and self-reliance in geographically remote regions. He urged the participants to become “technology ambassadors”, translating scientific knowledge into climate-resilient, resource-efficient and profitable agriculture through innovation, convergence and farmer-centric technology transfer. Dr Dey highlighted the spirit of Panch Pranmdevelopment, sustainability, unity, responsible citizenship and pride in India’s heritage to advance “Reaching the Unreached, Advancing Inclusive and Empowered Rural Agriculture” and build a strong, inclusive and self-reliant India by 2047.

A major highlight of the valedictory programme was the release of the training manual titled “Scientific Practices of Vegetable Production: An Advisory for Andaman & Nicobar Islands,” providing participants with a practical reference for adopting improved production technologies in the island ecosystem.

The programme concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening skill development, technology dissemination and farmer-oriented extension services, thereby contributing to sustainable vegetable production, improved farm incomes and enhanced nutritional security in the island region.

The training stands as an important initiative towards “Reaching the Unreached, Advancing Inclusive and Empowered Rural Agriculture” through science-led capacity building and effective technology transfer.

(Source: ICAR- Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata)