Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 23 December 2025
National Kisan Divas 2025 was celebrated with enthusiasm at the ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR–CIARI) on Tuesday, marking the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, a staunch champion of farmers’ welfare. The event was organised to acknowledge and honour the vital contribution of farmers to society and national food security.
Addressing the gathering virtually, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, highlighted the importance of integrated farming systems in enhancing farmers’ income. He also elaborated on the objectives and benefits of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin): VB–G RAM G Act, 2025, which aims to strengthen livelihood security in rural areas.
Extending greetings on the occasion, Bhagirath Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, urged farmers to adopt innovative, sustainable and income-generating agricultural practices to ensure long-term resilience.
During the programme, Dr. Jai Sunder, Director, ICAR–CIARI, interacted with farmers and felicitated ten progressive farmers for their outstanding contributions to island agriculture. The awardees represented diverse sectors including integrated farming systems, pisciculture, poultry, agri-tourism, moringa value addition, spice cultivation, natural farming, nursery raising, coconut shell handicrafts, floriculture, animal husbandry, vegetable production and spice product development.
In his address, Dr. Jai Sunder traced India’s journey from a food-deficient nation to one of the world’s leading agricultural producers. He attributed this transformation to sustained research, technological advancement and the dedication of farmers. Emphasising the role of diversification and sustainable farming systems, he noted that improvements in both productivity and quality have significantly strengthened national food security. He also outlined the benefits of the VB–G RAM G Act, 2025, stressing its role in empowering farmers through convergence of development programmes at the village level.
Providing a detailed overview of the new scheme, Dr. Y. Ramakrishna, Principal Scientist and Head, KVK South Andaman, explained that the initiative offers 125 days of guaranteed wage employment, enhanced unemployment allowance, timely wage payments and compensation for delays. He further highlighted provisions such as the Viksit Gram Panchayat Plan, convergence of schemes through Gram Sabha planning, and technology-enabled empowerment, with a focus on water security, rural infrastructure, livelihood assets and climate-resilient projects.
The day-long programme featured extensive scientist–farmer interactions, during which technologies developed by ICAR–CIARI were showcased. Award-winning farmers shared their success stories, inspiring others to adopt innovative and profitable farming practices.
The event witnessed wide participation, with around 325 farmers and staff from ICAR–CIARI Headquarters, the Regional Centre at Minicoy (Lakshadweep), KVKs of North and Middle Andaman, and KVK Nicobar attending, reflecting strong engagement across the island regions.
Bulletins and extension pamphlets on the VB–G RAM G scheme and institutional technologies were distributed to farmers. Earlier, Dr. Pooja Kapoor welcomed the participants, while Dr. Zachariah George proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was coordinated by D. Karunakaran, Scientist and Nodal Officer for Swachhata Pakhwada.
