Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 25 September 2024
The ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) under the Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI) in Nicobar organized a skill development training program on “Entrepreneurial Strategies for Organic Farming” at the Community Hall in Campbell Bay. The event, held as part of a 100-day action plan, aimed to empower local farmers with innovative farming techniques to boost productivity while preserving the environment.
The training was inaugurated by Mr. Keshav Narendra, Assistant Commissioner of Campbell Bay Island, who served as the Chief Guest. In his address, Mr. Narendra highlighted the transformative potential of organic farming in promoting local economic growth. He urged farmers to adopt entrepreneurial strategies and innovative practices, emphasizing that organic agriculture could pave the way for sustainable development and community empowerment in the region.
Dr. Santosh Kumar, Senior Scientist and Head of ICAR-KVK Nicobar, presented an overview of innovative farming techniques that could enhance both profitability and environmental sustainability. “Organic farming is not just an agricultural method, but a lifestyle that promotes harmony with nature,” he remarked. Dr. Kumar encouraged farmers to integrate entrepreneurial strategies into their practices to build sustainable livelihoods.
The training included technical sessions delivered by experts, including Mr. Sanketh G.D, Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) in Agronomy, who provided insights into the nutritional benefits of organic farming, particularly through the use of coconut waste. His lecture highlighted how utilizing local resources like coconut waste could improve soil health and crop productivity.
Dr. Akshay, another Subject Matter Specialist, and Mr. Rajan, Chairman of the Multipurpose Co-operative Society Ltd (PACS) in Laxmi Nagar, Campbell Bay, also shared their expertise. Mr. Rajan, along with PACS Secretary Mr. T. Vindhan, underscored the importance of community engagement and collective efforts in promoting entrepreneurial strategies for organic farming. They emphasized that community-led approaches could create a robust support system for farmers, allowing them to tackle challenges unique to the island’s agricultural landscape.
Interactive sessions were a key feature of the training, with participants actively sharing their experiences and brainstorming solutions to the challenges faced by farmers in the region. This collaborative environment fostered the exchange of ideas and encouraged the development of business concepts suited to the distinct conditions of Campbell Bay Island.