Rohit Kumar
Sri Vijaya Puram, 27 January 2025
ICAR-CIARI (Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Island Agricultural Research Institute), located in Sri Vijaya Puram, commemorated the 76th Republic Day with great patriotic enthusiasm on January 26, 2025. The event, held at the Institute’s Garacharma campus, saw staff, students, and their families gather to celebrate the occasion.
Dr. E.B. Chakurkar, Director of ICAR-CIARI, raised the National Flag during the ceremony, followed by his address to the attendees. He expressed immense pride in the Institute’s achievements over the past year, which have brought recognition both nationally and across the islands. In his speech, Dr. Chakurkar highlighted significant milestones, including advancements in patents, commercialization, breed registrations, and technology certifications.
“This year, we have made great strides in our scientific endeavors,” Dr. Chakurkar remarked, noting that the Institute had been granted five patents and industrial designs. These include an acaricide formulation for tick control, a sex determination kit for non-ratite birds, a cinnamon bark rubbing tool, and a closed water circulatory system, with three of these already commercialized. An additional seven patents were submitted, further emphasizing the Institute’s growing innovation and research capabilities.
Two of ICAR-CIARI’s technologies were also certified by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), namely the Dweep carp grower feed and an iron therapy module for controlling piglet anemia. In a major boost to the Island’s agricultural and livestock sector, three livestock breeds—Andamani goat, Andamani pig, and Andamani duck—were officially registered. Furthermore, two coconut varieties, Dweep Haritha and Dweep Sona, have been gazetted by the Government of India for cultivation under island conditions. The Institute has also secured a trademark for “Dweep,” which will be used in all future research products and technologies.
Dr. Chakurkar went on to commend the recent visit of the Parliamentary Standing Committee from January 19-23, 2025, which provided valuable insights into the Institute’s progress. Additionally, he mentioned several key infrastructure developments underway, including the solarization of office buildings, the creation of a biofloc unit, an agro-eco-tourism initiative, a modern dairy unit, and the establishment of an ornamental fish breeding unit. In Lakshadweep, a fish aggregating device has been installed at Minicoy to aid in sustainable fisheries.
The Republic Day celebrations also recognized the outstanding achievements of individuals in the community. Mrs. K. Chellamal, a progressive farmer supported by the Institute, was honored with the prestigious Padmashree award. Fishery entrepreneur Mr. C. Arjun was presented with recognition from the Hon’ble President of India for his pioneering work in freshwater ornamental fish culture. Mr. Chintaharan Biswas, an innovative mango farmer from Shaheed Dweep, successfully registered his mango variety as “Chinta Mango” with the PPVFRA (Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority).
Dr. Chakurkar concluded his speech by congratulating the entire team of ICAR-CIARI—scientific, administrative, technical, and support staff—for their unwavering dedication and support in fulfilling the Institute’s research, development, and extension goals. He also extended his appreciation to the KVKs (Krishi Vigyan Kendras) and Regional Station, all of which have been integral in driving the Institute’s success.
The Republic Day celebrations at ICAR-CIARI were a powerful reminder of the Institute’s continued commitment to agricultural innovation and community empowerment across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.