Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 06 February 2024
In an effort to empower Nicobari tribal farmers and promote sustainable agriculture, a scientist from the ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI) shared valuable knowledge on improved organic farming practices during a recent visit to Nancowrie Islands.
Dr. I. Jaisankar, Senior Scientist (Agroforestry), conducted capacity building programs in Chota Enaka, Kakana, Pilpillow (Kamorta Islands), and Chowra Island villages between January 28th and 31st, 2024. The programs, titled “Improved Organic farming Practices for Island based Cropping System,” attracted a total of 211 farmers eager to learn new techniques.
Dr. Jaisankar emphasized the use of multipurpose tree species for efficient resource utilisation, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation. He also delved into scientific tuber crop cultivation, tuber crop-based farming systems, CIARI technologies, and organic waste management practices.
Mr. Mahammed Haneefa, in-charge of the Agriculture Department in Kamorta, further enriched the program by sharing information on potential vegetable crops for nutritious kitchen gardens, nursery management techniques, and various agricultural schemes available under the STC program and AICRP on Tuber crops.
To put their newfound knowledge into practice, each participating farmer received farm implements, CIARI Dweep Micro fertilizer, sweet potato sprouted cuttings, greater yam seed materials, and vegetable seed kits.
This initiative, conducted under the guidance of Dr. E.B. Chakurkar, Director of CIARI, aims to improve agricultural productivity, income generation, and nutritional security for Nicobari farmers while preserving the unique island ecosystem. By adopting these improved organic farming practices, the farmers can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for their communities.