Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 19 April 2025
A Field Day showcasing the promise of oilseed crop cultivation in the Andaman Islands was held at the Bloomsdale Research Farm of ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI) on April 17, 2025. The event was jointly organized by ICAR–CIARI in collaboration with ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), South Andaman, and KVK, Nimbudera, North and Middle Andaman.
Aimed at encouraging crop diversification and reducing reliance on monoculture systems, the Field Day featured live demonstrations of sesame, sunflower, safflower, castor, and linseed. More than 40 oilseed varieties were showcased, offering participants a closer look at their performance and adaptability under island conditions.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. E. B. Chakurkar, Director of ICAR–CIARI, underscored the importance of introducing drought-tolerant oilseed crops to boost self-sufficiency and build resilience in the islands’ farming systems. He highlighted the risks of monoculture and the long-term benefits of diversification.
Dr. P. K. Singh, In-Charge of the Field Crop Improvement and Protection Section, discussed the economic viability of cultivating oilseeds on rice fallow lands—an underutilized resource in the Andaman Islands post-paddy harvest. Further technical insights were provided by scientists Dr. Prabhu, Dr. Abhilash, and Dr. T. Harshangkumar, who addressed varietal selection, cropping windows, seasonal planning, and plant protection techniques tailored to the islands’ agro-climatic conditions.
Over 30 farmers from across South, North, and Middle Andaman participated in the event, engaging actively with experts on agronomy, seed access, and market linkages. Their enthusiasm reflected a growing interest in alternative crops that offer both nutritional and economic benefits.
Officials from the Department of Agriculture, including Ms. Beena, Circle Officer, and Mr. Nasir, In-Charge of the Seed Production Farm at Chouldari, were also present and contributed to the interactive discussions.
The Field Day served as an effective knowledge-sharing platform, aiming to enhance the capacity of local farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices through oilseed crop diversification.