Sri Vijaya Puram, February 27, 2026
Kisan Mela–2026 was inaugurated at ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI), Sri Vijaya Puram, by Dr. A.K. Nayak, Deputy Director General (Natural Resource Management), ICAR, New Delhi.
Addressing farmers, Dr. Nayak highlighted the Islands’ rich natural resources and stressed the need for sustainable agriculture to enhance income and livelihood security. He urged farmers to adopt advanced technologies showcased at the mela and emphasized that Island agricultural products have strong market potential, including in mainland India. He also called for greater collaboration between research institutions, administration, and farmers.
Dr. A. Velmurugam, ADG (SWM), encouraged farmers to utilize Agromet Advisory Services and stay in regular contact with scientists for improved farm management. Dr. B. Augustine Jerard advised adoption of scientific practices and intercropping in plantation crops to improve productivity and income. Mr. Rakesh B. Pangat, DGM, NABARD, outlined financial schemes available for farmers and Self-Help Groups.
Dr. Jai Sunder, Director, ICAR-CIARI, said the mela serves as a key platform for technology dissemination and farmer–scientist interaction.
Sixteen stalls featuring technologies from ICAR-CIARI, Agriculture Department, NABARD, SBI, SHGs, PPVFRA and private organizations were set up. Around 400 farmers, including farm women, participated. Extension publications in the local language were also released.
Earlier, the DDG visited the institute’s experimental farms, inaugurated the ‘Sanvardhan’ plant hardening facility and an indoor portable carp hatchery unit, and interacted with scientists.
Dr. Y. Ramakrishna delivered the vote of thanks.
