Car Nicobar, Sept.21: Farmers in Car Nicobar received direct access to agricultural scientists and officials from key government departments at a village-level interaction programme on Monday, with discussions covering crop practices, livestock health, government support schemes and sustainable use of natural resources.
ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Nicobar, organised the Scientist–Farmer Interaction Programme in collaboration with UTATMA at the Community Hall in Tapoiming Village. The meeting brought farmers, KVK scientists, village representatives and officials from Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, and Environment and Forests together to discuss agricultural and allied-sector concerns of the local farming community.
Lawrence Mathew, First Captain of Tapoiming Village, attended the programme as chief guest, while Simon William, Second Captain, also participated. Officials from the concerned departments joined the interaction alongside KVK scientists and farmers.
Santosh Kumar, Senior Scientist and Head of ICAR-KVK CIARI, Nicobar, said regular interaction between scientists and farmers can help identify field-level problems and provide location-specific technical solutions. He highlighted the role of such engagements in allowing farmers to raise technical questions and learn about improved practices and technologies aimed at better productivity, efficient resource use and improved livelihoods.
Bhu Bharati, Agriculture Officer, briefed farmers on improved agricultural practices and informed them about schemes, programmes and support services available through the Agriculture Department.
Livestock health formed another key part of the discussions. Baljit Kaur, Senior Veterinary Officer, explained scientific pig production and pig health management, stressing hygiene and sanitation in pig sheds, balanced feed, clean drinking water, timely vaccination and deworming. She also stressed regular health monitoring, early detection of disease symptoms and prompt veterinary intervention to reduce mortality and improve animal health and productivity.
Rama Rao from the Department of Forests addressed the importance of forest conservation, sustainable utilisation of natural resources and environmentally responsible practices relevant to farming activities in the area.
Mathew welcomed the village-level initiative and stressed the need for continued technical guidance and coordination among farmers, village representatives, scientists and government departments for agricultural and allied-sector development.
Ajmal S., Subject Matter Specialist at KVK Nicobar, proposed the vote of thanks and acknowledged the participation of officials, village representatives, UTATMA, scientists and farmers.
The programme was conducted under the overall guidance of Jai Sunder, Director of ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR–CIARI), Sri Vijaya Puram. The organisers also listed Deepoo Meena, Subject Matter Specialist, Agricultural Engineering, as associated with the programme.
