Sri Vijaya Puram, June 12: In an effort to promote sustainable agriculture practices suited to the fragile island ecosystem, a one-day workshop was held at the Community Hall in Chouldari, focusing on the judicious use of chemical and organic agricultural inputs. The event, attended by over 100 participants including progressive farmers, SHG members, and local representatives, underscored the need to strike a balance between productivity and environmental responsibility.
The event was spearheaded under the direction of the Chief Secretary and the Secretary (Agriculture), Andaman & Nicobar Administration. In the opening address, the Secretary (Agriculture) emphasized the dangers of unchecked chemical input usage in farming and the long-term risks to human health and biodiversity. Citing cases like the Endosulfan pesticide tragedy in Kerala and the cancer train of Punjab, the message was clear: careless use of agrochemicals can have irreversible consequences.
The workshop was part of a broader initiative by the administration to promote informed farming practices. The Joint Director (Agriculture), in his welcome note, highlighted the importance of integrated farming strategies that minimize harm to soil and water systems. Stress was laid on the role of education in bringing about this shift in the mindset of local farmers.
Zilla Parishad Member, Chouldari, and Samiti Member, Chouldari, who were present as guests of honour, reiterated the need for the farming community to embrace a mixed approach, using both organic manures and bio-fertilizers alongside regulated chemical inputs. They acknowledged the challenges but called for a shift toward long-term gains over short-term outputs.
Technical sessions that followed provided a data-driven look into current practices and their ecological effects. A presentation by Mohit, Subject Matter Specialist from KVK, elaborated on how combining chemical and organic inputs could maintain crop productivity while preserving soil health. KVK Incharge Dr Y. Ramakrishna echoed the same, explaining the need for tailored solutions to suit island-specific conditions.
Dr. Talaviya Harshang Kumar from ICAR-CIARI delivered a focused session on the adverse effects of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, reinforcing the message with scientific evidence. This was followed by insights from Dr. Sivagnanam, Plant Protection Officer from CIPMC, who discussed pest and disease control using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. These non-chemical methods, he noted, help in breaking pest cycles and reducing environmental residues.
Further inputs were provided by Assistant Director (Agri), Dr. S. C. Rekha and Agriculture Officer Dr. Sahana Begum, who covered a wide range of topics from integrated nutrient management (INM) to the in-house preparation of bio-inputs. The workshop also included video screenings to illustrate the harmful side effects of excessive chemical use.
The event offered an open platform for farmers to share their own experiences and feedback. A number of participants voiced the need for better access to bio-fertilizers, local production units for organic compost, and stronger institutional support to adopt more eco-friendly techniques.
Organisers reported the participation of 103 attendees and a largely positive response from the farming community. The workshop concluded with a feedback session where farmers submitted queries and suggestions, which are expected to help the Agriculture Department refine its outreach and training modules.
The Administration has positioned such awareness workshops as essential in preparing the islands for a future where agriculture remains productive without compromising ecological balance. As farming continues to evolve under the pressures of climate change, sustainable practices are no longer optional, they are imperative.
