The Department of Agriculture in collaboration with the Union Territory Agriculture Technology Management Agency (UTATMA), Mayabunder, and the Extension Education Institute (EEI), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, has conducted extensive training programmes aimed at improving agricultural sustainability, productivity, and income diversification for farmers across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The initiatives focused on enhancing local rice production, introducing natural farming practices, and exploring agro tourism as an emerging source of rural profitability.
One of the key components of these efforts was a four-month-long “Farm School on Paddy,” held at Rampur village under the guidance of UTATMA, Mayabunder. Commencing on July 12, the programme was designed to promote scientific and sustainable rice cultivation practices among island farmers. The objective was to enhance local rice productivity, reduce dependence on imported grains, and strengthen the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers through capacity building and access to quality seeds.
The farm school adopted a comprehensive and practical approach, covering every stage of the crop cycle—from seed bed preparation and nursery management to transplanting, nutrient measurement, fertilizer application, pest and weed control, crop monitoring, and record keeping. The ANR47 variety of rice seed was cultivated over one hectare of land owned by farmer Kamla Kullu in Rampur, serving as a live demonstration site for participating farmers. The sessions also covered harvesting, threshing, drying, and post-harvest storage techniques, enabling participants to understand both field and post-field operations in an integrated manner.
At the conclusion of the programme, participants attended an interactive session to address their queries regarding ongoing departmental schemes and new agricultural technologies. Around 25 to 30 farmers, including Farmer Friends, departmental staff, and ATMA officials, participated actively in the learning process. The initiative reflected a growing emphasis on knowledge-sharing as a foundation for achieving agricultural self-reliance in the islands.
In parallel, two advanced off-campus training programmes titled ‘Agro Tourism, A Novel Approach for Profitability’ and ‘Natural Farming for Sustainable Agriculture’ were organized from November 3 to 7 by the Extension Education Institute (EEI), Hyderabad, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, A&N Administration. These sessions were tailored for departmental officers, Krishi Sakhis, and members of self-help groups, emphasizing innovation and sustainability in agriculture.
The training on natural farming introduced participants to methods that minimize chemical input and enhance soil health. Field visits were organized at Ferrargunj village, where participants gained hands-on experience in preparing and applying natural farming inputs such as Jeevamrit, Beejamrit, Neemastra, Agniastra, and Ghanajeevamrit. These organic formulations are vital for maintaining crop health, pest resistance, and soil fertility without relying on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
The Agro Tourism module exposed trainees to the growing potential of integrating tourism with agriculture. Through a visit to a departmental farm, participants learned how agricultural landscapes could be transformed into educational and recreational destinations. Officials discussed how agro tourism can empower farmers by diversifying income sources, promoting cultural and ecological appreciation, and enhancing the visibility of local agricultural practices to visitors.
Altogether, 40 departmental officers, one Krishi Sakhi, and one SHG member participated in these training programmes. Both sessions fostered a spirit of learning and innovation, bridging the gap between traditional practices and modern sustainability concepts.
The Department of Agriculture has reiterated its commitment to empowering island farmers through continuous capacity-building efforts. These training initiatives not only promote environmentally responsible practices but also encourage diversification of rural livelihoods. With greater adoption of natural farming, agro tourism, and community-driven learning models, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are gradually moving towards a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future.
