Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 15 July 2024
Underlining the commitment to enhance agricultural practices in Nicobar, Mrs. Jyoti Kumari, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Nicobar, inaugurated a five-day skill development training program titled “Harvesting Diversity: Coconut-based Intercropping with Spices and Tuber Crops.” The initiative, part of a 100-day action plan, commenced on July 10, 2024, at the Community Hall in Tapoiming Village.
The program aims to promote intensive agricultural farming techniques, focusing on intercropping spices and tuber crops within coconut plantations. Mrs. Kumari lauded the contributions of local farmers, including Mr. Patrick, Mr. Suman, Mr. Manish, and Mr. Jaan Mohammed, for their efforts in advancing sustainable agricultural practices in Nicobar. She emphasized the economic viability and environmental benefits of agricultural diversification.
Mr. Simon William, second captain of Tapoiming Village, graced the occasion as the guest of honor, underscoring community support for the initiative. Dr. Santosh Kumar, Head of KVK Nicobar, welcomed the participants and highlighted the program’s significance in enhancing local agricultural productivity.
The training session included practical field exposure and interactive sessions tailored for 30 local farmers. As part of the initiative, the Horticulture and Crop Improvement Division of ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair, distributed around 500 spice and tuber crop saplings to youth participants under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP).
Technical sessions conducted by Subject Matter Specialists Dr. Akshay, Mr. Ajmal S., Mr. Depoo Meena, and Mr. Sanketh G.D. covered various aspects of intercropping, crop management practices, post-harvest techniques, and marketing strategies. Dr. E. B. Chakurkar, Director of ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair, provided guidance and oversight for the overall program.
The initiative reflects a concerted effort to empower local farmers with sustainable agricultural practices and improve rural livelihoods in Nicobar.