Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 13 December 2025
The Department of Agriculture, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, through the High Value Agriculture Development Agency (HVADA), successfully organized a three-day hands-on training programme on “Mass Production of Bio-Agents” at the ICAR–National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (NBAIR), Bengaluru, from December 8 to 10, 2025. The training was conducted under the National Horticulture Mission sub-scheme of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
Bio-agents, which include beneficial insects, fungi, bacteria and viruses, play a crucial role in controlling harmful pests in crops. Their use helps reduce dependence on chemical pesticides, ensures environmental safety and is particularly suitable for the fragile and ecologically sensitive environment of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The objective of the training was to strengthen the technical capacity of field-level officials in adopting eco-friendly and sustainable pest management practices. Participants were provided practical exposure to the mass production of bio-pesticides and natural predators, with a special focus on species relevant to coconut palms, one of the major crops of the Islands. The programme also covered production technologies of microbial bio-control agents suited to the unique agro-climatic conditions of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
During the training, officials actively participated in hands-on sessions, live demonstrations and expert-led discussions. These sessions were designed to enhance their skills in the production and effective field application of bio-control agents.
The initiative is expected to significantly boost the adoption of environmentally friendly pest management techniques in the Islands and support farmers in transitioning towards sustainable, resilient and adaptive agricultural practices, ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. (Story Based on PR)
