Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 11 October 2025
In a major development aimed at protecting the farming community of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Central Government has deputed a team of agricultural scientists to the islands following an appeal by Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament. The move comes in response to the severe damage caused to crops across the islands by recurring infestations of mealybug and whitefly diseases.
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray had taken up the issue with the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Home Minister, and Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture on September 26, 2025, urging immediate intervention and the deployment of an expert team to assess the situation and recommend remedial measures.
Acting promptly on the request, the Central Government dispatched a team of agricultural scientists, who have since arrived in the islands and begun field inspections in the worst-affected regions — including VK Pur, Rabindra Nagar, and RK Pur in Little Andaman, as well as certain villages in Car Nicobar.
The experts are conducting extensive field assessments, interacting directly with farmers and tribal cultivators, examining the extent of crop damage, and collecting samples for laboratory analysis. The findings will help identify the causes of the infestations and guide effective control and prevention strategies to restore agricultural productivity.
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray has also recommended that the visiting team extend its survey to select locations in South Andaman for a more comprehensive understanding of the problem. He is expected to join the scientists during their field studies and later meet them at Sri Vijaya Puram following the completion of their visits.
Expressing gratitude for the swift action, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray conveyed his heartfelt thanks to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the Hon’ble Home Minister, and the Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture for their immediate and proactive response to his appeal and for their continued support in safeguarding the livelihood of island farmers.
