Vikas Kumar
Sri Vijaya Puram, 27 May 2025
In a bid to strengthen local agricultural practices and promote integrated farming systems, the Secretary of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS), Ms. Pallavi Sarkar, IAS, conducted a comprehensive two-day visit to Car Nicobar from May 23 to 24. The initiative, undertaken under the directions of the Chief Secretary of the A&N Administration, focused on grassroots-level engagement, inspection of field initiatives, and interdepartmental coordination.
During the visit, Ms. Sarkar inspected various agricultural initiatives at Tapoiming village. These included an integrated farming model implemented by Mr. Patrick Jeremiah and a bee hive demonstration unit at the farm of Mr. Simon William, developed under the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) program. The visits aimed to highlight sustainable practices and encourage replication among local farmers.
A joint meeting was also convened with the Chairman of the Tribal Council, Nicobar District, village headmen, and the Deputy Commissioner. Discussions centered around departmental plans and the formulation of a decentralized and inclusive action plan tailored to village-specific needs. Proposals included the revival of existing plantations through improved management techniques and the creation of community spice gardens to boost agro-based livelihoods.
The Secretary also visited the Assistant Director (Agriculture) Office, Sub-Depot, Rural Knowledge Centre, Veterinary Hospital, and Arong Composite Farm. At the Multi-Purpose Farm, emphasis was placed on staff capacity building and improved orchard management practices, particularly for fruits and spices. A new Nutmeg Block was inaugurated with the planting of a sapling, marking the beginning of a mother block for high-quality propagation material.
In a move to enhance service delivery, the Rural Knowledge Centre was re-opened, and a temporary Incubator-cum-Hatchery Unit under the AH&VS Department, along with a Sub-Depot of the Agriculture Department, was made operational. Furthering poultry development efforts, the CTC Chairman and Secretary participated in a distribution event providing Nicobari fowls and Vanaraja chicks to local tribal farmers.
Both the Agriculture and AH&VS Departments reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with local communities to ensure the holistic development of agriculture and allied sectors in Car Nicobar.