Agri. Sub-Depot Inaugurated at Rabindra Nagar, Little Andaman to Boost Support for Local Farmers

Tarun Karthick

Sri Vijaya Puram, 04 April 2025

A newly constructed Agricultural Sub-Depot was inaugurated at Rabindra Nagar in Little Andaman on April 2 by Mr. ASPS Raviprakash, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Agriculture), A&N Administration. The facility aims to serve over 300 farmers in the village by providing access to quality vegetable seeds, organic inputs, and acting as a hub for technical guidance and dissemination of agricultural advisories.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by key local representatives, including Mr. S. Paramanathan, Pramukh, Panchayat Samiti, Little Andaman; Mr. A. Raja, Up-Pramukh; Mr. Ajay Mondal, Tehsildar, Little Andaman; Mr. Parimal Mondal, Pradhan, VK Pur; Mr. Atul Biswas, Ex-Pradhan, Vivekanandapur; and other PRI members.

During the event, the Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Agri.) interacted with the PRI members and farmers present. Mr. Parimal Mondal requested the timely supply of agricultural inputs. In response, the Assistant Director (Agriculture), Little Andaman, informed that procurement of seeds and inputs is underway at the Directorate of Agriculture and will be made available by the upcoming Kharif season.

Mr. Atul Biswas raised the issue of spice procurement, requesting that the Department facilitate the process within Little Andaman instead of transporting produce to the Departmental Store ‘Vatika’ in Sri Vijaya Puram. The Commissioner-cum-Secretary suggested forming a Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) to streamline the marketing of spices and other agricultural produce locally.

Additionally, PRI members from Rabindra Nagar requested specialized training for farmers on the application of drone technology in agriculture, signalling a growing interest in modern farming techniques.

The Sub-Depot is expected to strengthen the agricultural ecosystem in Little Andaman by improving input availability, encouraging farmer innovation, and promoting self-sufficiency in the region.