42 Farmers Participate in Natural Farming Training Programme
Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 2: A three-day training programme on natural farming for farmers from North and Middle Andaman districts began on September 1 at the Training Hall of ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Sri Vijaya Puram.
The programme is being organised by the Department of Agriculture, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, in association with ICAR-KVK, Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) and the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF).
The training is being conducted under the National Mission on Natural Farming in convergence with ATMA. It aims to provide farmers with practical knowledge, technical skills and hands-on experience in adopting natural farming methods that are cost-effective, sustainable and suited to local farming conditions.
The programme was inaugurated in the presence of Debabrata Basantia, Director of Agriculture, as chief guest, and Dr. Jai Sundar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, as guest of honour. Dr. Y. Ramakrishna, Principal Scientist and Head, ICAR-KVK and Nodal Officer, NMNF, along with scientists and subject matter specialists from ICAR-KVK, officials of the Department of Agriculture, ATMA functionaries and participating farmers were also present.
Addressing the participating farmers, the Director of Agriculture highlighted the importance of Karen Paddy, which has recently received Geographical Indication recognition and has also been included under the Dweep Sugandh Initiative.
Farmers were encouraged to adopt natural farming practices along with appropriate crop management techniques in paddy cultivation. The objective is to support better yields while maintaining soil health and long-term sustainability.
Dr. Jai Sundar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, emphasised the potential of natural farming practices to contribute to healthier farmers, healthier soils and a healthier environment.
The first day of the training followed a practical “learning by doing” approach. Demonstrations and hands-on sessions were conducted on the preparation and use of natural farming bio-inputs.
The sessions covered Panchagavya, Neemastra, Jeevamrit and Beejamrit. Farmers were provided information on the importance of these bio-inputs, their preparation methods and their application in crop production.
The practical component of the programme is intended to give participating farmers direct exposure to the processes involved in preparing and using natural farming inputs rather than limiting the training to classroom-based instruction.
The training is targeted at farmers from North and Middle Andaman districts, with participants primarily drawn from the Mayabunder Zone and other areas covered under Natural Farming Clusters.
A total of 42 farmers are participating in the three-day programme.
The training brings together the Agriculture Department, ICAR-KVK, ATMA and NMNF to provide technical and practical support for the adoption of natural farming methods in the islands.
The emphasis on local farming conditions is particularly relevant to the programme’s objective of helping farmers understand methods that can be applied within their existing agricultural practices.
Paddy cultivation is among the areas receiving attention during the training, with specific emphasis on Karen Paddy. The recognition of Karen Paddy with GI status and its inclusion under the Dweep Sugandh Initiative were highlighted during the inaugural session.
The programme will continue for three days, with farmers receiving practical exposure to natural farming methods and bio-input preparation. The training is intended to equip participating farmers with knowledge and skills that can be applied in their own agricultural activities.
The initiative seeks to promote natural farming practices through training, demonstrations and technical guidance, while placing emphasis on soil health, sustainability and appropriate crop management.
