Sri Vijaya Puram | February 20, 2026
A training programme and exposure visit on scientific spice cultivation, jointly organised by ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI), Sri Vijaya Puram, in collaboration with DASD, AICRP on Plantation Crops and DISHA, benefitted 84 stakeholders, primarily women members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from South Andaman Island.
The programme on “Scientific Cultivation of Spices as Intercrops in Plantation-Based Cropping Systems” was conducted on February 18, 2026 under the CSS–MIDH (NHM) Project on Spices and AICRP on Plantation Crops.
Agriculture in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is predominantly plantation-based, with coconut and arecanut occupying large areas. The wide spacing in these plantations offers significant scope for cultivating high-value intercrops such as spices, which are well-suited to the region’s favourable agro-climatic conditions. However, lack of awareness about scientific cultivation, harvesting and post-harvest management practices has often resulted in low productivity and inconsistent quality. The training aimed to bridge this knowledge gap, with special emphasis on empowering women farmers.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Jai Sunder, Director (Acting), ICAR-CIARI, interacted with participants and expressed satisfaction over their enthusiastic participation. He encouraged them to regularly seek technical guidance from CIARI scientists to address challenges in crop, livestock and fisheries sectors.
Dr. Ajit Arun Waman, Senior Scientist and Course Director, delivered a detailed presentation on scientific spice cultivation. He demonstrated cinnamon harvesting using the Dweep CinnRub tool developed by ICAR-CIARI and screened educational films on harvesting and post-harvest handling of spices.
During the field exposure visit, participants were taken to the Field Distillation Unit where essential oil extraction was demonstrated. At the Horticultural Plants Propagation Unit, they observed nursery raising techniques for perennial spices. Protected cultivation of woody pepper was showcased, highlighting its potential as a novel spice crop for the Islands.
Farm women were also introduced to improved cultivation practices of Malabar tamarind using grafted varieties ‘Dweep Agrim’ and ‘Dweep Vishal’. Demonstrations included gravity-fed drip irrigation systems and the use of weed mats. Scientists explained the importance of soil and water conservation measures, terracing and shade management for young plants.
Considering changing climatic conditions, the relevance of foliage-based spices such as tejpat was discussed. Participants were introduced to ‘Dweep Tej-1’, the country’s first improved variety of tejpat developed by CIARI.
At the Horticulture Research Farm, Sippighat, Dr. Pooja Bohra, Senior Scientist and Course Coordinator, highlighted the advantages of intercropping in coconut and arecanut plantations. She showcased CIARI-developed intercropping models and addressed queries from stakeholders. The group also visited high-density cinnamon plantations and the World Coconut Germplasm Centre.
To encourage adoption of improved practices, planting materials of cinnamon, woody pepper, lemongrass and arecanut variety ‘Samrudhi’ were distributed to participants. They were also shown value-added products developed from local resources, including culinary paste from mango ginger and syrup made from Andaman Kokum.
The training programme was conducted under the CSS–NHM Project on Spices funded by the Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development, Kozhikode, Kerala. The participants were mobilised and coordinated by Fr. Michael Raj of DISHA, Caddlegunj.
