Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 10 October 2025
A training programme on “Tuber Crops-Based Integrated Farming System for Livelihood Improvement of Tribal Farmers” was held from 4th to 7th October 2025 at Nancowrie. Organized under the STC by the All India Coordinated Research Project on Integrated Farming System (AICRP-IFS) in collaboration with ICAR-KVK, Car Nicobar, the initiative also included the distribution of vegetable seed kits to local farmers.
Dr. I. Jaisankar, Principal Scientist (Agro-Forestry) and Principal Investigator of AICRP-IFS, highlighted the benefits and scope of integrated farming systems in enhancing farm income. He presented the Organic Integrated Farming System (OIFS) developed by CIARI, sharing results from experimental trials involving various combinations of vegetables, tubers, spices, fodder, and fruit crops, along with goat, pig, poultry, and fish farming.
The training also focused on CIARI technologies, organic waste management, integrated pest and disease management, and natural farming practices. Farmers were briefed on input preparation and application methods aimed at improving soil productivity through tuber crops-based integrated farming.
As part of the hands-on demonstrations, 50 Dweep leaf separators were distributed to women farmers, with instructions on removing midribs from coconut leaves. To support nutritional security, 75 vegetable seed kits were also handed out to participants.
The programme was coordinated by Dr. Santosh Kumar, Head of KVK Car Nicobar, and Dr. Abhilash, Scientist (NRM), under the guidance of Dr. Jaisunder, Director of CIARI. A total of 205 farmers from Kakana, Pilpillow, Hitui, and Chotta Enaka villages attended the training.
