Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 26 March 2024
In a bid to bolster agricultural practices among tribal farmers, the ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI) organized a comprehensive one-day training session on “scientific tuber crop cultivation.” Held at the ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Sippighat, South Andaman, Port Blair, the event aimed to equip farmers from Car Nicobar with advanced techniques for maximising tuber crop yields.
Dr. Y. Ramakrishna, the Head of KVK, South Andaman, kicked off the session by shedding light on the vast marketing and value-addition prospects associated with tuber crops. Emphasizing the availability of improved technologies through the Institute, Dr. Ramakrishna urged farmers to integrate successful tuber crop cultivation into their island farming systems.
Dr. I. Jaisankar, a Senior Scientist at ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair, delved into the diversity of tuber crops within the islands and the unique collections curated by the Institute. Dr. Jaisankar also elaborated on scientific cultivation practices and highlighted the pivotal role of the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on tuber crops in conserving and utilizing tuber genetic resources to ensure food and livelihood security.
Furthermore, Dr. Santosh Kumar, Senior Scientist & Head of KVK, Nicobar, underscored the importance of diversifying island farming systems with tuber crops, emphasizing their potential to augment income and generate employment opportunities.
The training session aimed to raise awareness about the scientific methodologies essential for tuber crop cultivation, ultimately enhancing livelihood security among tribal farmers. Additionally, small agricultural implements and tuber seeds were distributed to facilitate the implementation of the newly acquired knowledge.
A total of 16 tribal farmers from Car Nicobar actively participated in the program, reflecting the enthusiasm and dedication towards adopting innovative agricultural practices for sustainable livelihoods.
The event was conducted under the able guidance of Dr. E.B. Chakurkar, the Director of ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair, further emphasizing the Institute’s commitment to promoting agricultural advancements and empowering local farming communities.