Sri Vijaya Puram, June 18: Efforts to improve soil health and reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers received a push in Nicobar district after ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)-CIARI, Nicobar, and the Department of Agriculture, Car Nicobar, conducted an awareness and demonstration programme focused on sustainable agriculture, organic nutrient management and vermicomposting.
The programme was organised at Big Lapathy Village on June 17 under the ongoing Spice Pravah 2.0 campaign with the objective of encouraging farmers to adopt environmentally sustainable agricultural practices and improve farm productivity through better soil management techniques. A total of 35 farmers, including 17 men and 18 women, participated in the programme.
Amit Kale, IAS, attended the event as the chief guest. Lionel Nicomed, Chairman of the Tribal Council (CTC), Car Nicobar, participated as the guest of honour, while Manuah Thomas, First Captain of Big Lapathy Village, also attended the programme and extended support to the farming community.
Addressing the participants, scientists and agriculture officials highlighted the importance of sustainable farming practices and the role of organic nutrient management in maintaining soil fertility. The programme focused on promoting vermicomposting as a practical solution for improving soil quality and enhancing agricultural productivity.
Santosh Kumar, Senior Scientist-cum-Head, ICAR–KVK Nicobar, CIARI, delivered a technical session on vermicomposting and its contribution to sustainable agriculture. He explained that vermicompost helps improve soil fertility, increases nutrient availability, enhances soil organic carbon content and supports beneficial microbial activity in the soil. He also outlined how the practice can help reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers.
Kumar encouraged farmers to make use of locally available organic residues and farm waste to produce quality vermicompost and adopt eco-friendly nutrient management practices under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan. He stressed that sustainable soil management remains critical for long-term agricultural productivity and environmental conservation.
As part of the field demonstration, three HDPE vermibeds were distributed and installed in Big Lapathy Village to encourage farmers to begin vermicompost production. One of the vermibeds was installed at the farm of Ester, a progressive farmer from the village.
Farmers received practical training on the installation and maintenance of vermibeds, management of earthworms, moisture regulation, selection of feeding materials and harvesting of vermicompost. Organisers said the demonstration generated considerable interest among participants and encouraged them to consider establishing similar units on their farms.
Speaking on the occasion, Amit Kale appreciated the efforts of ICAR–KVK Nicobar and the Department of Agriculture in implementing the Khet Bachao Abhiyan and Spice Pravah 2.0 programmes across Nicobar district. He said the initiatives contribute to the promotion of sustainable agriculture, organic farming and natural resource conservation. He encouraged farmers to adopt scientific and environmentally sustainable technologies to improve productivity, strengthen soil health and enhance farm income.
Lionel Nicomed underscored the importance of soil conservation and sustainable farming practices for the long-term development of agriculture in the Nicobar Islands. He also acknowledged the technical support and capacity-building initiatives being provided to farmers.
Manuah Thomas welcomed the programme and urged farmers to participate actively in development initiatives and adopt recommended technologies such as vermicomposting and organic nutrient management.
The programme concluded with an interactive session during which farmers, scientists and officials discussed issues related to soil fertility management, vermicomposting, spice cultivation, organic farming and sustainable agriculture. Participants expressed their willingness to adopt the soil health management practices promoted under the campaign.
The programme was conducted under the guidance of Jai Sunder, Director, ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram, with the objective of strengthening sustainable agricultural practices and improving the livelihoods of farmers in Nicobar district.
