Sri Vijaya Puram, June 5: Scientists from the ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI), Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Nimbudera and the Department of Agriculture joined hands to conduct awareness programmes under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan 2026, reaching farmers across South Andaman and North & Middle Andaman with scientific guidance on sustainable agriculture, soil health management and climate-resilient farming practices.
The programmes, organized at Calicut village under Prothrapur Block in South Andaman and Harinagar in North & Middle Andaman, focused on helping farmers improve productivity while adopting environmentally sustainable and economically viable agricultural practices.
At Calicut village, scientists from CIARI conducted an extensive farmer interaction programme aimed at enhancing awareness on climate-resilient agriculture, livestock management, soil health and sustainable farming systems suited to the unique island ecosystem.
The programme was attended by around 25 farmers and featured technical sessions by Dr. Rafeeq, Senior Scientist (Animal Genetics), Dr. Puneeth, Scientist (Vegetable Science), and Smt. Bebi, Assistant Technical Manager from ATMA under the Department of Agriculture.
Addressing farmers on livestock development, Dr. Rafeeq emphasized the importance of scientific animal husbandry practices, particularly during the monsoon season when livestock are more vulnerable to diseases and infections.
He advised farmers to adopt preventive healthcare measures such as regular vaccination, deworming, sanitation and balanced feeding practices to maintain animal health and productivity. He also highlighted the benefits of composting agricultural residues and animal waste to produce organic manure that can improve soil fertility and reduce dependence on chemical inputs.
Dr. Rafeeq also created awareness about the Goat Artificial Insemination programme and other livestock improvement initiatives being implemented by CIARI. According to him, scientific breeding techniques can help improve genetic potential, productivity and overall livestock performance while contributing to long-term sustainability.
Farmers were also informed about various livestock-related facilities and advisory services available through CIARI.
Speaking on crop production and soil management, Dr. Puneeth stressed the importance of soil testing and scientific nutrient management. He encouraged farmers to adopt balanced fertilizer application based on soil requirements to enhance crop yields while reducing unnecessary expenditure on agricultural inputs.
The scientist highlighted the role of organic farming, biofertilizers and integrated nutrient management in maintaining soil fertility and promoting environmental sustainability. He also discussed measures to reduce soil, water and atmospheric pollution resulting from agricultural activities.
Given the increasing impact of climate change on farming systems, Dr. Puneeth outlined climate-resilient agricultural practices suitable for island conditions, including crop diversification, efficient water management, organic matter enrichment and sustainable production systems.
He also advised farmers on safe handling of agrochemicals and farm machinery, emphasizing the importance of health and safety precautions during agricultural operations.
In addition, farmers were informed about the availability of improved crop varieties and quality planting materials developed by CIARI, along with technical support services offered by the institute.
Meanwhile, another awareness programme under Khet Bachao Abhiyan 2026 was organized at Harinagar by ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Nimbudera, in collaboration with UTATMA under the Department of Agriculture.
The programme focused on soil health management, balanced fertilizer use, organic farming and government welfare schemes available to the farming community.
Experts highlighted the importance of Soil Health Cards as an essential tool for scientific farming and encouraged farmers to adopt green manuring, integrated nutrient management and other sustainable agricultural practices to maintain long-term soil productivity.
Participants were informed about the advantages of organic and natural farming, including improved soil fertility, lower cultivation costs, enhanced crop productivity and reduced environmental impact.
The programme also served as a platform for discussing crop production challenges, nutrient management issues and various government support programmes aimed at strengthening the agricultural sector.
Farmers and farmwomen actively participated in the discussions, interacting directly with experts and seeking practical solutions to field-level challenges.
A total of 21 farmers and farmwomen attended the Harinagar programme, which was organized under the guidance of Dr. Y. Ramakrishna, Principal Scientist and Head (In-Charge), KVK Nimbudera, and Dr. Jai Sunder, Acting Director of ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram.
Officials said the twin programmes demonstrated the growing emphasis on connecting scientific research with grassroots farming communities. By bringing experts directly to villages, the Khet Bachao Abhiyan aims to promote climate-resilient agriculture, strengthen soil health management, improve livestock productivity and encourage sustainable farming practices across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The initiative, organizers said, contributes not only to enhanced farm productivity and better livelihoods but also to long-term food security and environmental sustainability in the island territory.
