Car Nicobar: Efforts to diversify agriculture and strengthen rural livelihoods in Car Nicobar received a major push this weekend, as the Administration rolled out two complementary initiatives, a mass spice plantation under the SPICE PRAVAH programme and the launch of the ‘Target Two Lakhs’ poultry distribution drive. Both programmes were held at Tapoiming village and attended by senior officers, community leaders, and local farmers.
The spice plantation programme, organised by the Zonal Agriculture Team in the field of progressive farmer Patrick Jeremiah, was aimed at promoting nutmeg and other spices as part of integrated farming. Chief Secretary Chandra Bhushan Kumar, serving as chief guest, underscored the need to gradually replace aging coconut plantations with high-value intercrops such as nutmeg. He noted that spices offered better market returns, longer shelf life, and opportunities for value addition through processing, which could significantly supplement farmers’ incomes.
Calling for collaboration between the Agriculture and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) teams and the Tribal Council, he suggested a district-level plan to integrate spice cultivation with ongoing coconut farming. He also proposed branding locally grown spices, establishing dedicated sale outlets, and setting up agro-processing facilities in partnership between the Agriculture and Industries departments.
In a symbolic gesture, the Chief Secretary planted nutmeg saplings alongside dignitaries, farmers, and youth from the community. Saplings were also distributed to participants, with the KVK team showcasing bio-inputs, bio-decomposers, and locally grown vegetables to demonstrate low-cost, sustainable farming practices.
The focus on integrated farming was reinforced later in the day with the launch of the ‘Target Two Lakhs’ initiative by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS). The scheme aims to distribute over two lakh poultry chicks across the Islands in the current financial year, with an emphasis on remote and underserved communities.
Flagging off the programme from Tapoiming, the Chief Secretary highlighted livestock’s role in boosting both nutrition and income security, especially for marginal farmers. He encouraged tribal households to continue traditional farming and animal husbandry practices while adopting improved techniques for better productivity.
Secretary (AH&VS) Pallavi Sarkar explained that the mass poultry drive was designed to address gaps in previous distribution efforts, including uneven coverage, limited awareness, and difficulties in reaching isolated villages. By upgrading hatchery infrastructure and increasing production capacity, the Department aims to ensure regular supply of chicks to all corners of the territory.
As part of the first phase, 15,010 chicks were distributed across 15 locations, benefiting farmers from distant hamlets such as Rutland, Munak, Hanspuri, Afra Bay, Pulopanja, Pulobha, Makachua, Pulo-ulu, Pilopatia, Pilobhabi, Indra Nagar, Dhanni Nallah, Mile Tilak, Kamorta, and Shoal Bay. The selection process prioritised the remotest settlements to ensure that even the most isolated farmers received the inputs.
Local leaders including Tribal Council Secretary Martin Luther and Tapoiming First Headman Lawrence Mathew attended both events, voicing support for sustained agricultural development in the Islands. The initiatives were coordinated by Senior Veterinary Officer Dr. Baljit Kaur with support from the Deputy Commissioner (Nicobars), the Secretary (CTC), and local tribal captains.
Officials believe that coupling spice cultivation with poultry farming can create a more resilient rural economy by diversifying income sources and improving household nutrition. By combining long-term crops like nutmeg with faster-return ventures such as poultry, farmers are expected to enjoy year-round productivity and greater financial stability.
The day’s twin launches signalled a clear administrative push towards integrated, sustainable farming in Car Nicobar, combining modern market-driven practices with traditional knowledge and community participation.
