Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 24 June 2025
The ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI) celebrated its 48th Foundation Day on 23rd June 2025, with a vibrant ceremony that highlighted the institute’s achievements and future plans for strengthening agriculture and allied sectors in the island territories.
Mr. G. Santhanam, General Manager of NABARD, Sri Vijaya Puram, attended the event as Chief Guest, while Dr. Aparup Das, Director of ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour.
In his address, Mr. Santhanam lauded ICAR-CIARI’s diverse contributions in research spanning horticulture, crop science, animal science, fisheries, and natural resource management. He emphasized NABARD’s commitment to supporting rural development through initiatives like Farmer Producer Organisations, watershed and tribal development programs. He expressed interest in partnering with ICAR-CIARI on sustainable rural livelihood models such as rooftop gardening, organic farming, tribal empowerment, and high-value vegetable cultivation under protected conditions.
Delivering the Foundation Day lecture, Dr. Aparup Das spoke on “Genomic Evidence for Zoonotic Origin of Malaria in India,” highlighting the importance of the One Health approach and signalling opportunities for joint research in zoonotic diseases and medicinal plant-based therapeutics.
Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, presented the institute’s key accomplishments over the past year, including the commercialisation of 12 technologies aimed at enhancing farm productivity. He also acknowledged the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in outreach, and highlighted the institute’s enthusiastic participation in the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan to empower local farmers.
A major highlight of the event was the commercialisation of a new fly repellent technology, “Dweep Go Fly” — a synthetic and herbal formulation. The licensing agreement was formally handed over to Mr. Sainath R. Shenoy of Mahalasa Agro Products.
During the program, ten new publications including technical bulletins and informative folders were released. Progressive farmers from the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands were felicitated for adopting CIARI-developed technologies, while scientists and staff were recognised for excellence in research, technology dissemination, and institutional service.
The day’s celebrations began with the ceremonial planting of dwarf coconut saplings by dignitaries and a visit to an exhibition displaying innovative agricultural technologies. Dr. Jai Sunder, Head of the Division of Animal Science, delivered the welcome address, while Dr. P.K. Singh, Principal Scientist, proposed the vote of thanks. The event was coordinated by Dr. Abhilash and Ms. Sushma, with virtual participation from staff and officials of KVKs, regional stations, and other ICAR institutes, including those in Lakshadweep. (Story Based on PR)
