Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 24 September 2024
Chowra Island witnessed a significant step towards rural empowerment as the ICAR-KVK CIARI (Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Central Island Agricultural Research Institute) Nicobar conducted a skill development training programme titled “Agri-Startups for Strengthening of Rural Youth.” The event, held at the Community Hall under a 100-day action plan, aimed to equip local youth with entrepreneurial skills in agriculture.
The inaugural session was presided over by Mr. Hilari Erick, Secretary of the Tribal Council, Chowra Island, who served as the chief guest. He was joined by the island’s village captains, marking a strong community presence at the event. Mr. Ajmal S., Subject Matter Specialist at KVK Nicobar, welcomed the participants, emphasizing the importance of agri-startups in enhancing the livelihoods of rural communities, particularly in the Nicobar region.
In his keynote address, Mr. Erick highlighted the transformative potential of agricultural entrepreneurship for the island’s economy. “Agri-startups can serve as a crucial catalyst for the development of our region. It’s time for our youth to seize these opportunities and drive growth within the community,” he remarked. Village captains added their insights, stressing the value of community engagement and the need for collaboration to create a supportive environment for budding agricultural entrepreneurs.
The training programme, led by Dr. Santosh Kumar, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK Nicobar, was designed to motivate participants to explore innovative business models in agriculture. A total of 50 local youth, equally representing both genders, attended the sessions, eager to learn and explore entrepreneurial opportunities in the sector.
Mr. Ajmal S. and Mr. Deepoo Meena, both Subject Matter Specialists, facilitated a series of technical sessions. Topics covered included product development, market analysis, business planning, and sustainable agricultural practices—key elements for successful agri-startups. These sessions encouraged interactive participation, allowing the attendees to share ideas, address challenges, and collaborate on potential solutions tailored to the unique conditions of rural island life.
The training’s interactive format enabled participants to brainstorm new business concepts and explore practical ways to implement them. It aimed to provide the necessary tools to launch and sustain their own agri-startups, ultimately promoting entrepreneurship and economic resilience among the island’s youth.
The programme was organized under the guidance of Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director of ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair, who emphasized the need for such initiatives to strengthen rural economies in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. By empowering local youth with the skills to start their own ventures, the initiative is expected to stimulate economic growth and improve livelihoods across the region.
This training marks a significant step forward in the broader mission to boost the rural economy through sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship, aligning with the national focus on promoting agri-startups as a key driver of rural development.