Efforts to strengthen farm livelihoods in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands received a boost with two major training programmes held recently for local farmers. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH&VS), in collaboration with the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) and ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI), conducted a two-day programme on scientific rearing and management of dairy cattle at Indira Nagar, Gram Panchayat Humphreygunj, South Andaman. Around the same time, ICAR-CIARI, in partnership with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), South Andaman, organised a field day on shrimp culture in the biofloc system at the institute’s Marine Research Laboratory. Together, the events demonstrated the administration’s push for sustainable growth in both livestock and aquaculture sectors.
At the dairy training programme on August 30 and 31, 37 dairy farmers participated in interactive sessions designed to enhance milk production, improve animal health and promote sustainable practices in cattle management. Experts including scientists and veterinary officers guided farmers on modern husbandry techniques, feeding practices, disease prevention and scientific breeding methods. With Indira Nagar alone housing nearly 236 cattle and 50 dairy farmers contributing between 800 and 1000 litres of fresh milk daily to the local market, the training was considered critical in equipping farmers with tools to increase efficiency and secure their livelihoods. The programme also highlighted how scientific methods in dairy rearing can reduce costs and increase productivity, benefitting not only farmers but also consumers across the island communities.
The programme received appreciation from the local panchayat representatives, who acknowledged its role in improving village-level economic activity. The interaction between farmers and veterinary experts provided practical insights into issues faced on the ground, from fodder management to disease outbreaks, ensuring that the sessions were not merely theoretical but oriented towards real-life problem-solving.
Meanwhile, at the Marine Research Laboratory of ICAR-CIARI, a different set of farmers and stakeholders gathered to explore the prospects of shrimp farming using biofloc technology. The field day was coordinated by research scientists under the guidance of the institute’s director. A total of 26 participants from Sri Vijaya Puram and Ferrargunj block attended the event, where they were introduced to the principles of biofloc-based aquaculture. Demonstrations covered water quality management, feeding strategies, and the benefits of microbial activity in maintaining an eco-friendly and productive culture system.
Biofloc technology has gained attention worldwide as a sustainable method of aquaculture, reducing water consumption and minimising environmental impacts while boosting yields. Farmers in the islands were shown how the system could be adapted to local conditions, offering them a viable alternative to traditional shrimp culture. Hands-on exposure allowed participants to understand not just the theoretical advantages but also the practical steps required for implementation.
During the programme, the director of ICAR-CIARI underlined the importance of adopting innovative aquaculture technologies to expand livelihood opportunities in the islands. He pointed out that the limited land and water resources of the territory require approaches that are both productive and sustainable. By incorporating biofloc systems, farmers could diversify their income sources, strengthen food security, and ensure better use of available natural resources.
Together, the dairy training and shrimp culture field day reflect a coordinated approach to improving both terrestrial and marine farming practices in the islands. While dairy farming supports daily household income and ensures local milk availability, aquaculture initiatives like shrimp farming open avenues for market expansion and export potential. Both sectors, when supported through scientific training and farmer capacity-building, can contribute to long-term economic resilience for island communities.
For the participating farmers, the back-to-back programmes offered new knowledge and practical skills that could directly impact their productivity and income. By combining traditional practices with modern techniques, they are better positioned to address challenges such as rising input costs, climate variability, and the need for sustainable resource management. With institutions like CIARI, AH&VS and KVK actively facilitating such initiatives, the islands’ farming community is being equipped to meet future demands with greater confidence and adaptability.
