Sri Vijaya Puram, October 27: Ten members of the Onge tribal community from Dugong Creek are receiving practical training in agricultural and allied activities under a programme aimed at expanding livelihood opportunities and strengthening income security among the island’s Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group. The five-day initiative, organised by the ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) under the ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI), Sri Vijaya Puram, covers virgin coconut oil production, beekeeping and spice cultivation.
The programme, which began on October 26 and will conclude on October 30, focuses on practical skills that participants can apply to livelihood activities. The training combines these three areas with discussions on other agricultural and allied enterprises that could support income generation and diversify livelihood options.
Dr. Jai Sunder, Acting Director of ICAR-CIARI, interacted with the participants to understand their educational backgrounds, present occupations and expectations from the course. He encouraged them to engage actively in practical sessions and exchange their experiences with resource persons to strengthen their understanding of the techniques being taught.
The heads of the institute’s Horticulture, Fisheries and Crop Improvement divisions also discussed potential livelihood activities with the trainees. Their interactions covered fisheries, fruit and vegetable cultivation, and animal husbandry, including poultry and piggery.
The discussions introduced a broader range of agricultural and allied activities beyond the three core training subjects. These options were presented in the context of income generation and livelihood diversification, although the programme’s immediate practical focus remains on coconut oil processing, beekeeping and spice cultivation.
Representatives of the Tribal Welfare Department of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration also attended the programme, bringing the department into discussions on livelihood development for the Onge community.
Earlier, Dr. Y. Ramakrishna, Principal Scientist and Head of KVK South Andaman, welcomed the participants and explained the training’s objectives and planned activities. Mohit, a subject matter specialist at the centre, coordinated the programme.
The initiative places practical agricultural training alongside discussions on fisheries, horticulture and animal husbandry as possible livelihood avenues for the participating beneficiaries. Its stated objective is to equip them with technical knowledge and practical skills that can support greater livelihood diversification, self-reliance and security.
The programme is scheduled to continue through October 30, with the participating beneficiaries expected to gain hands-on exposure to the selected activities during the five-day course.
