Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 17 March 2025
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI), in collaboration with its Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), is set to host the Kisan Mela – 2025 on March 18 and 19 at the Mela Ground within the Garacharma Research Complex. The two-day event will serve as a platform for farmers, researchers, and policymakers to engage in meaningful discussions, bridging traditional agricultural wisdom with modern scientific advancements to enhance sustainability and productivity in the sector.
Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, will be the Chief Guest for the event and will formally inaugurate both the Kisan Mela and the Dweep Agro-Eco Walk at the Sippighat and Garacharma farms of the institute. The event will also be graced by Ms. Pallavi Sarkar, IAS, Secretary of Agriculture & Animal Husbandry, as the Guest of Honour.
One of the key attractions of the event will be the Scientist-Farmer Interaction, providing a unique opportunity for farmers to interact directly with agricultural experts and researchers. A quiz competition will be organized to engage visiting farmers and stakeholders, allowing them to test and expand their agricultural knowledge. The event will also feature an exhibition of modern farming techniques, showcasing sustainable agricultural practices, cutting-edge innovations, and technological advancements in the sector. A special focus will be placed on the display of local products, promoting indigenous agricultural produce and farm-based products from the region. Additionally, farmers will have access to high-quality planting materials and other essential agricultural resources through the sale of seeds, seedlings, and byproducts.
The Dweep Agro-Eco Walk, an initiative to highlight sustainable farming methods and eco-friendly agricultural practices, will also be launched during the event. The walk will provide participants with firsthand exposure to innovative farming techniques implemented at the institute’s farms.
The Kisan Mela – 2025 aims to inspire and empower the farming community of the islands by equipping them with knowledge, resources, and exposure to the latest advancements in agriculture. The event is expected to attract a large number of farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, students, and industry stakeholders, making it a significant occasion for the agricultural sector in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.