Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 17 June 2025
In a significant step towards promoting sustainable agriculture in the tribal regions of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a three-day training programme on “Natural Farming Practices under Tuber Crops-Based Integrated Farming System” was conducted from 12th to 14th June at Nancowrie Islands. The programme was organized by scientists from ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI) under the Scheduled Tribe Component (STC) of the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Integrated Farming System, in collaboration with ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Car Nicobar.
Dr. I. Jaisankar, Senior Scientist (Agroforestry) and Principal Investigator of the AICRP, highlighted the benefits of integrated farming systems in improving farm income through the strategic combination of crops, livestock, and aquaculture. He presented the outcomes of the Organic Integrated Farming System (OIFS) developed by CIARI, showcasing successful trials involving vegetables, tubers, spices, fodder, and fruits integrated with goat, pig, poultry, and fish farming.
The training also covered CIARI-developed technologies such as organic waste management and integrated pest and disease control, with a strong emphasis on natural farming techniques and the use of organic inputs to boost soil fertility in tuber-based systems.
A hands-on demonstration was held on the use of the Dweep Leaf Separator, a tool designed to remove the midrib from coconut leaves efficiently. Fifty units of the tool were distributed to women farmers. Additionally, essential agricultural tools and planting materials were distributed to the participants, including 45 crowbars, 40 axes, 30 spades, 500 sweet potato rooted cuttings, and 500 tapioca setts.
A total of 139 farmers from the villages of Kakana, Pilpillow, and Munak actively participated in the programme. The event was coordinated by Dr. Santosh Kumar, Head of KVK Car Nicobar, along with Dr. Abhilash and Mr. Talaviya Harshang Kumar, both Scientists (NRM), under the overall guidance of Dr. E.B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram.