Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 08 September 2025
A group of 145 students from Govt. Sr. Secondary School, South Point, Sri Vijaya Puram, accompanied by eight teachers, undertook a field exposure visit to the Garacharma Research Complex of ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI) today. The visit aimed to provide students with practical insights into recent advancements in agriculture, fisheries, and allied sectors.
During the visit, Mr. Chittaranjan Raul, Scientist, introduced the students to the Freshwater Ornamental Fish Culture Unit, which houses breeding and rearing facilities for aquarium fishes such as guppy and molly. He also explained how ICAR–CIARI provides comprehensive production packages to support the farming community of the Islands.
Dr. Prabhu P., Scientist, highlighted the development of salt-tolerant rice varieties and explained methods for assessing their disease resistance. Mr. Kishore Tete, Technical Officer, familiarized the students with the Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Medicinal Garden, which conserves a wide range of therapeutic plants and promotes awareness of the Islands’ biodiversity.
Welcoming the students, Mr. D. Karunakaran, Scientist, briefed them on India’s agricultural progress since Independence, touching upon landmark milestones such as the Green, White, Blue, Yellow, Golden, Silver, and Pink Revolutions, which have ensured food security for the nation. He also shed light on diverse career opportunities available in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Animal Husbandry.
The exposure visit was coordinated by Mr. D. Karunakaran, Scientist, Ms. Asma Bibi, Senior Technical Assistant, Mr. Ali Akbar, Technician, and Mr. C. P. Vijayan, Young Professional-I, Agricultural Knowledge Management Unit, under the leadership of Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR–CIARI, Port Blair.
