Rohit Kumar
Sri Vijaya Puram, 19 March 2025
The Dweep Agro-Eco Walk, an agro-eco-tourism initiative by ICAR-CIARI and its KVKs, was inaugurated by Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, at the Horticulture Farm in Sippighat on March 18, 2025. The inauguration was attended by Ms. Pallavi Sarkar, IAS, Secretary (Agriculture & Animal Husbandry). The Chief Secretary also inaugurated the two-day Kisan Mela-cum-Exhibition at the Garacharma Farm Mela Ground, organised within the Garacharma Research Complex. As part of the event, both dignitaries planted coffee saplings at the Sippighat Farm.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Kumar commended ICAR-CIARI’s pivotal role in advancing technological innovations and facilitating their transfer in agriculture, horticulture, livestock, and fisheries. He noted that while urban residents often face challenges in managing small kitchen gardens due to pest control and climate concerns, large-scale farmers encounter even greater difficulties, necessitating technical support from research institutions to prevent losses that could affect both the farming community and the region’s economy.
Dr. Kumar praised the Dweep Agro-Eco Walk initiative at Sippighat and stressed the importance of branding high-quality organic produce to enhance market acceptance and boost agro-tourism. He urged for greater coordination between ICAR-CIARI and the respective departments to ensure that technological advancements reach island farmers effectively, contributing to the economic growth of the region.
The Chief Secretary observed that many farmers in the Islands focus primarily on cultivating arecanut, which requires minimal effort and is less vulnerable to climate fluctuations as opposed to more labour-intensive crops such as paddy, spices, and vegetables. Dr. Kumar also emphasized the importance of food processing, branding, and packaging in increasing the profitability of farmers’ produce and called for collaborative efforts between ICAR-CIARI and the local administration to organise more events like Kisan Melas to impart knowledge and enhance farmers’ skills.
Dr. Kumar visited all 22 stalls set up at the event, which showcased technologies and products from ICAR-CIARI, the Department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, NABARD, SBI, SHGs, PPVFRA, and private firms. He interacted with scientists and expressed satisfaction with the innovations displayed, acknowledging their potential to increase farmers’ incomes. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from approximately 250 farmers, farm women, and school children.
During the event, six farmers from three districts were felicitated for their successful adoption of agricultural technologies and entrepreneurial achievements.
In his welcome address, Dr. E. B. Chakurkar, Director of ICAR-CIARI, provided an overview of the Institute’s mission and its relevance to farmers, youth, and stakeholders across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. Dr. Jai Sunder, Head of the Animal Science Division, delivered the vote of thanks, while Dr. Pooja Bohra, Senior Scientist, coordinated the event efficiently.