Sri Vijaya Puram, October 16: Women farmers in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were encouraged to adopt organic and sustainable farming practices to protect soil health, support safe food production and improve farm incomes at a state-level Mahila Kisan Diwas programme organised by the Department of Agriculture in association with the Union Territory Agricultural Technology Management Agency (UTATMA).
Held at the Conference Hall of the Zonal Agriculture Office in Goalghar, the programme focused on the theme, ‘Role of Women Farmers in Building Developed Agriculture and a Developed India’, bringing together women representatives, agricultural officials and a scientist to discuss farming practices, government assistance and rural entrepreneurship.
Chellammal, a noted organic farmer and Padma Shri awardee, attended as the chief guest. She urged women farmers to embrace organic and sustainable methods, emphasising their importance in maintaining soil health, producing safe food, protecting the environment and increasing agricultural income.
Director of Agriculture Debabrata Basantia highlighted women’s contributions to agriculture and allied sectors and stressed the need to empower women farmers.
Four women pradhans from South Andaman shared their experiences of initiatives aimed at empowering rural women through agriculture and related activities. They were Jyoti of Sippighat, Tapasi Shah of Chouldari, Naseema Bibi of Bambooflat-II and Sajida Banu of Mannarghat.
The programme also included a farmer–scientist interaction, during which Chaithyashree J, scientist in agricultural extension at the ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI), responded to questions from women farmers.
During a technical session, S. C. Rekha, assistant director of agriculture in South Andaman, and Pitchammal Beevi, assistant director of agriculture at HVADA, explained departmental schemes and the assistance available to farmers.
The event also showcased women-led enterprise through an exhibition featuring 12 Self-Help Group members, who presented their work in processing and adding value to agricultural produce.
Organisers also distributed certificates and trophies to the winners of the Flower Show 2025–26, according to a press release issued by the Department of Agriculture.
