Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 26 February 2025
The ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI) conducted a training programme on intercropping in plantation crops for tribal farmers at Harminder Bay, Little Andaman. The initiative, held under the ICAR-All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Plantation Crops, aimed to promote sustainable agricultural practices and improve resource efficiency.
Coconut and arecanut are the predominant plantation crops in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, most plantations follow a mono-cropping system, which increases the risk of pest infestations, diseases, and inefficient land utilisation. To address these challenges, the training focused on the benefits of intercropping and its potential to enhance productivity.
The programme saw active participation from 25 tribal women farmers. Dr. Ajit Arun Waman, the programme coordinator, provided insights into suitable intercrops for plantation crops and encouraged farmers to adopt intercropping collectively to generate marketable produce.
Responding to the farmers’ demand, high-quality planting materials of improved arecanut varieties were distributed under the Scheduled Tribe Component. These materials were handed over to the tribal council for the establishment of a community plantation with an intercropping system during the upcoming monsoon season.
Expressing their gratitude, Mr. Festus, Secretary of the Tribal Council, and Mr. Andrew Moses, First Captain, appreciated the efforts of ICAR-CIARI for imparting valuable knowledge and providing essential resources to enhance agricultural sustainability in the region.