Sri Vijaya Puram, July 13: As part of efforts to strengthen climate-resilient agriculture and improve farm productivity in the Nicobar Islands, scientists from the ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI), Garacharma, conducted a series of capacity-building programmes for 204 Nicobari tribal farmers across four villages in Car Nicobar between July 8 and July 11. The training focused on integrated farming systems, scientific nutrient management and sustainable agricultural practices aimed at improving resource efficiency and enhancing productivity.
The awareness-cum-training programmes were organised in Tamaloo, Tee Top, Small Lapathy and Big Lapathy villages. The sessions covered two major themes: Crop Residue Management in Integrated Farming Systems for Improving Productivity and Integrated Nutrient Management in Tuber Crops for Enhancing Productivity.
During the programme, Dr. I. Jaisankar, Principal Scientist (Agroforestry) and Project Investigator of the All India Coordinated Research Projects on Integrated Farming Systems and Tuber Crops, explained the importance of integrating multipurpose tree species for efficient resource utilisation. He also highlighted the need to conserve endemic plant biodiversity to reduce the impacts of climate change, while promoting scientific cultivation of tuber crops, tuber-based farming systems, technologies developed by ICAR-CIARI and organic waste management practices.
Dr. Santosh Kumar, Senior Scientist and Head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Nicobar, delivered technical sessions on recommended cultivation practices for vegetable crops suitable for nutritious kitchen gardens. He also explained nursery management techniques aimed at improving crop production at the household level.
Additional technical sessions were conducted by Dr. Ajmal S., Dr. Deepoo Meena, Dr. Akshay and Dr. Sanketh G.D., Subject Matter Specialists at KVK, Car Nicobar. The scientists provided guidance on integrated nutrient management in tuber crops, pest management, preparation of natural farming inputs, water harvesting techniques for efficient use of water during lean periods and integration of crops and livestock under Integrated Farming Systems.
A total of 204 farmers from the four villages participated in the training programmes. As part of the initiative, participants were provided with 500 tapioca setts, 500 rooted sweet potato cuttings, 100 vegetable seed kits and 50 Dweep Leaf Separators to support the adoption of the recommended farming practices.
Practical demonstrations formed an important component of the programme. Farmers were trained in the preparation and application of Beejamruth for natural farming and were also shown the operation and use of the Dweep Leaf Separator to improve farm resource management.
The twin training programmes were coordinated by Dr. I. Jaisankar, Dr. Santosh Kumar and Dr. Abhilash under the guidance of Dr. Jaisunder, Director, ICAR-CIARI. According to the institute, the initiative was aimed at strengthening farmers’ knowledge of sustainable agriculture, encouraging adoption of scientific farming practices and improving productivity, resource efficiency and climate resilience in the Nicobar Islands.
