Sri Vijaya Puram, July 17: A field-based Farm School on Karen Paddy cultivation has commenced in Mayabunder with the objective of strengthening farmers’ technical knowledge and promoting climate-resilient rice cultivation in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands through practical training during the ongoing crop season.
The Union Territory Agriculture Technology Management Agency (UTATMA), Mayabunder, in association with the Department of Agriculture, conducted the first session of the Farm School at the agricultural field of Naw Pricy, a resident of Lucknow village under the Mayabunder zone.
Around 30 participants attended the inaugural programme, including farmers, Farmers’ Friends, the Pradhan and Up-Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Rampur, officials of the Agriculture Department and UTATMA staff.
During the inaugural session, participants were introduced to the objectives of the Farm School and the importance of conserving and promoting Karen Paddy cultivation in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The training programme covered key aspects of paddy cultivation, including the importance of Karen Paddy, selection of quality seeds, land preparation and nursery management. Participants also received practical field demonstrations on seed treatment and were introduced to the recommended package of agricultural practices for successful crop establishment.
The Farm School has been designed as a practical learning initiative that will continue throughout the crop season with a series of field-based training sessions. The programme aims to strengthen farmers’ technical knowledge by providing hands-on demonstrations and guidance on recommended cultivation practices.
According to the organisers, the initiative is focused on promoting climate-resilient rice cultivation while encouraging the conservation and continued cultivation of Karen Paddy in the Islands.
The Farm School combines classroom orientation with field demonstrations to provide farmers with practical exposure to improved cultivation techniques. The programme will continue with additional sessions during the cropping season to support farmers in adopting recommended agricultural practices for Karen Paddy cultivation.
