Sri Vijaya Puram: A national workshop on “Sustainable Agriculture through Natural Farming” held on May 13, 2025, at Dr. T.R. Dutta Conference Hall, ICAR-CIARI, brought together leading voices in agriculture from across India to deliberate on nature-driven farming models tailored to fragile island ecosystems. Organized jointly by the ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI), Andaman Science Association (ASA), and Gujarat Natural Farming Science University (GNFSU), the workshop aimed to promote environmentally sustainable agricultural systems in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The event commenced with the ICAR anthem and a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, marking the beginning of a series of intensive dialogues and knowledge-sharing sessions. Talaviya Harshangkumar, a scientist from the NRM Division, welcomed the gathering, which included farmers, scientists, and extension officials.
In his formal welcome address, ICAR-CIARI Director and ASA President E. B. Chakurkar laid the groundwork by stressing the relevance of low-input, sustainable farming methods for island regions. Guest of Honour R. A. Gurjar, Director of Extension at GNFSU, underscored the role of natural farming in improving rural livelihoods while restoring ecological integrity.
Also addressing the gathering were N. Ravisankar, Project Coordinator for the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Integrated Farming Systems, and A. Velmurugan, Assistant Director General for Soil and Water Management (SWM) at ICAR. Both emphasized soil health and climate-resilient practices as central to long-term agricultural success.
Keynote speaker and Chief Guest C. K. Timbadia, Vice Chancellor of GNFSU, delivered a powerful address on the transformative potential of natural farming, which reduces dependency on synthetic chemicals and encourages ecosystem-based solutions. Several publications related to natural farming practices were unveiled during the session to enhance awareness and knowledge dissemination among practitioners.
The workshop then transitioned into its technical session, where leading agricultural scientists presented cutting-edge research and practical solutions for sustainable farming.
Timbadia began with a comprehensive lecture on the “Principles and Practices in Natural Farming,” offering a roadmap for reducing chemical usage, improving crop resilience, and restoring natural soil fertility. His presentation was followed by A. Velmurugan, who explored the importance of “Harnessing Microbial Dynamics in Natural Farming.” He explained how soil microbiota contribute to nutrient cycling and crop health, serving as natural allies to farmers.
N. Ravisankar presented recent findings under the topic “Natural Farming: Recent Research and Agro-Ecological Benefits,” shedding light on how agro-ecological zones can be better managed through natural inputs and traditional practices. Rounding off the session, R. A. Gurjar spoke on “Bio-input Preparation and Multilayer Farming,” offering hands-on techniques that are both scalable and adaptable for farmers across the islands.
The workshop was attended by a diverse audience, including members from the KVK South Andaman, and virtual participants from ICAR-CIARI’s regional station in Minicoy (Lakshadweep) and KVKs in Nimbudera and Nicobar. The event demonstrated ICAR-CIARI’s ongoing commitment to fostering climate-resilient, low-input farming practices and building farmer capacity for more self-reliant agricultural models.
As climate change continues to pose serious challenges to farming in island regions, experts at the workshop reinforced the urgency of shifting to regenerative agriculture. The discussions reiterated that natural farming is not merely an alternative but a necessity in regions like Andaman and Nicobar, where the environmental cost of high-input agriculture is unsustainable.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Abhilash, Scientist at the NRM Division, who acknowledged the contributions of all speakers, institutions, and attendees. The workshop has set the stage for ongoing collaborations and grassroots-level training programs designed to translate natural farming theory into field-level impact.
