Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 03 September 2025
A group of 58 students from Govt. Sr. Secondary School, Mannarghat, and RGT Public Vidyalaya, accompanied by six teachers, visited the Garacharma Research Complex of ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI) at Sri Vijaya Puram on Wednesday.
During the visit, Dr. I. Jaisankar, Principal Scientist, highlighted the benefits of Integrated Farming Systems, which combine trees, crops, and livestock to enhance productivity. He stressed the importance of organic farming and diversification of agriculture in the Islands by including vegetables, spices, fruits, along with animal and fish components to improve farmers’ income and generate employment opportunities.
Miss Shivani Kumari, Technician, familiarised the students with the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Medicinal Garden, which houses a variety of therapeutic plants to promote awareness on local biodiversity. She also briefed them about the freshwater ornamental fish unit and the utility of fish spas.
Dr. R. Kiruba Sankar, Senior Scientist, guided the students through the fisheries museum, explaining the rich marine biodiversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Mr. Bikash Ch. Mondal, meanwhile, shared insights into the diverse butterfly species found across the Islands.
Earlier, the group was welcomed by Mr. D. Karunakaran, Scientist, who also provided an overview of ICAR-CIARI’s research initiatives. The visit was coordinated by Mr. Karunakaran along with Ms. Asma Bibi, Senior Technical Assistant, Mr. Ali Akbar, Technician, and Mr. C. P. Vijayan, Young Professional-I, under the leadership of Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair.
