Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 04 December 2025
A seven-day capacity-building training programme on Nursery Raising – Seedlings, Cuttings, Layering and Grafting was successfully conducted at ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, South Andaman from November 26 to December 3, 2025. The programme was jointly organised by CPR Environmental Education Centre, Sri Vijaya Puram, and ICAR-KVK, South Andaman.
The training was inaugurated on November 26, in the presence of Chief Guest Dr. Y. Ramakrishna, Principal Scientist and Head, KVK South Andaman, who encouraged participants to establish nurseries, create a market presence, and generate sustainable income. During the training, participants were introduced to key concepts such as nursery establishment, types and designs of nurseries, layout planning, record maintenance, and economic feasibility.
The participants also received practical demonstrations on preparation of nursery media, potting mixtures, seed germination, sowing techniques, and use of rooting hormones. Hands-on skill training was also provided on plant propagation techniques including cuttings, layering, and grafting.
Sessions on integrated pest and disease management aligned with natural farming practices, along with compost and vermicompost preparation, were part of the curriculum.
The valedictory session was held on December 3, 2025, with Dr. Jai Sunder, Director (A), ICAR-CIAR, Sri Vijaya Puram, attending as Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the growing demand and potential for nursery development across the islands. Dr. Y. Ramakrishna reiterated the importance of adopting diverse propagation methods to enhance livelihood opportunities.
The programme was coordinated by Ms. Sushma, Subject Matter Specialist (Horticulture), ICAR-KVK South Andaman, and Mr. A. Gopal, Project Officer, CPR Environmental Education Centre, under the guidance of Dr. Jai Sunder.
