Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 18 August 2025
The ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI) celebrated India’s 79th Independence Day with enthusiasm and patriotism across its Garacharma campus, KVK South Andaman, KVK North and Middle Andaman, KVK Nicobar, and the Regional Station in Minicoy. Around 250 staff members and their families attended the flag hoisting ceremony.
The celebrations commenced with the National Flag being hoisted by Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director of ICAR-CIARI, followed by the National Anthem. In his address, Dr. Chakurkar highlighted the pivotal role of agriculture, noting that nearly 50% of India’s population depends directly or indirectly on the sector. He underlined the institute’s contribution to agricultural advancement and food security across the country.
Dr. Chakurkar proudly shared that the institute has secured six patents and commercialized five technologies this year, including innovations such as DweepTickure, Dweep Leaf Separator, DweepCinnRub, Dweep MAS Poultry Feed, and Dweep Go Fly. He also noted that 18 varieties developed by the institute have been recommended for release by the UT Subcommittee on Seed (SVRC), with Malabar Tamarind and Indian Bay Leaf being introduced for the first time in India.
During the celebrations, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Food Processing visited ICAR-CIARI and commended its efforts towards agricultural development in the islands. The institute also organized a Kisan Mela alongside three workshops and seminars focusing on natural and organic farming, as well as the potential of agro-ecotourism.
Dr. Chakurkar also highlighted the institute’s research output, reporting that 20 papers with a NAAS rating of 6 or above have been published this year. Several scientists received prestigious accolades: Dr. T. Sujatha, I/c ITMU, was awarded an appreciation certificate by DG, ICAR; Dr. K. Saravanan received the Young Scientist Award from the College of Fisheries, Mangalore; and Dr. J. Praveenraj was honored with the Dr. C.V. Kulkarni Award by ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai. The Director encouraged all scientists to continue striving for excellence to benefit the farming community.
The celebrations concluded with a vibrant cultural program organized by the Central Island Agricultural Research Institute Employees Welfare Association (CARIEWA), featuring performances, competitions, and prize distribution for winners and participants.
