Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 15 February 2024
In a bid to enhance agricultural practices among Nicobarese Tribal Farmers, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI) organized a three-day exposure visit cum training program on “Quality Seed and Planting Material in Agri-horticultural Crops.” The event took place from February 7th to 9th, 2024, at ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by the presence of Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director of ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair. Joined by Course Director Dr. P. K. Singh, Principal Scientist and Head (-I/c), Division of Horticulture and Crop Improvement, and Course Coordinators Dr. Pooja Bohra and Dr. Ajit Waman, Dr. Chakurkar urged all participants to maximize their learning from the program, emphasizing the importance of quality seed production, post-harvest handling, and storage techniques tailored for Island agriculture.
Dr. Pooja Bohra led participants on a field visit to various mother blocks of horticultural crops, enlightening them on the crucial task of selecting appropriate mother plants and their management. Subsequently, Dr. Ajit Waman provided hands-on experience and demonstrations on various propagation methods at the Horticultural Plants Propagation Unit of the Institute.
The program also included a visit to Bloomsdale Farm Chouldhari, where the Farm Manager briefed participants on seed production and storage techniques in rice and pulses, the utility of Broad Bed Furrow System, types of farm machinery, and their applications. Additionally, participants explored Vegetable Research Blocks, where they were exposed to various vegetable cultivation techniques.
On the final day, participants visited the Horticultural Research Farm in Sippighat, where Dr. Ajit Waman showcased nursery and production techniques for coconut, arecanut, and spices. The program concluded with a valedictory session featuring farmer-scientist interactions, providing a platform to discuss challenges faced by tribal farmers in farming practices. The event, attended by Director Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar and the organizing team, culminated with the distribution of planting material and farm inputs.
Expressing gratitude, Dr. P. K. Singh and Mr. Andrew Moses, First Headman of Harminderbay, Little Andaman, along with ten tribal farmers, extended thanks for the opportunity to participate in the training program.