Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 10 July 2023
The Chief Secretary of the A&N Administration, Mr Keshav Chandra, IAS, accompanied by Mr Devesh Chandra Srivastva, IPS, Director General of Police, A&N Islands, paid a visit to the Organic Horticulture Farm (Spice Garden) of the Agriculture Department in Sippighat. The purpose of their visit was to observe the progress in spice cultivation, organic farming, and the emergence of Sippighat as an eco-tourism site in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Director of Agriculture, Mr Vikram Singh, DANICS, and Dr. Ajit Arun Waman, Scientist at CIARI, Port Blair, warmly welcomed them.
During the visit, the Chief Secretary and his delegation explored various areas of the farm, including the Medicinal Garden, which showcased plants used by different tribes, the newly constructed Tissue Culture Laboratory, and the Integrated Fish-Agri pond. The Director of Agriculture briefed the Chief Secretary on the integrated fish farming pond, which has a capacity of holding 25 lakh litres of water, and the ongoing development of the Agri-Tourism Circuit. Tourists visiting the area can enjoy activities such as fishing (angling), exploring the Spice Garden, mountain cycling, bird watching, and a 2 km trek amidst the picturesque Spice Garden, with designated resting and recreational points.
Dr. Ajit Arun Waman, the Scientist at CIARI, provided detailed information to the Chief Secretary about the Tissue Culture Laboratory, its machineries, feasibility, and future plans. The Department of Agriculture expressed gratitude to CIARI for their valuable consultancy, support, and cooperation in various activities.
Mr Ramesh, Joint Director of Agriculture, updated the Chief Secretary on the sale of 50,000 plant saplings of various fruits, medicinal crops, and ornamental crops to farmers and the general public at nominal rates.
During the visit, a special event took place where the Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police, and a Senior Scientist from CIARI launched flagship program posters of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bhima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, and Kisan Credit Card.
Impressed by the Medicinal Garden, which displayed plants used by indigenous tribes such as Jarawas, Shompens, Onges, Andamanese, Nicobaris, and more, the Chief Secretary commended the Agriculture Department for their efforts in maintaining and showcasing these valuable medicinal plants. He instructed the department to create awareness among farmers regarding the production and distribution of such plants to benefit both farmers and the general public.
Subsequently, the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police visited the Sales Outlet Unit of the Self Help Group (SHG) set up within the premises of the Organic Horticulture Farm. Mr Aditya Kumar Asthana, DANICS, Director (RD), warmly welcomed them, and they inaugurated the stalls named ‘MITRANCHAL’ by cutting the ribbon. The Chief Secretary interacted with the members of the Self Help Group and took a keen interest in the various products displayed by them. He and the Director General of Police made the first purchase of products from the SHGs and appreciated the efforts of the Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.
The visit by the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police served as a significant encouragement for the agriculture sector, spice cultivation, and the promotion of eco-tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.