Sri Vijaya Puram, April 17:
In a move to break away from the limitations of monoculture and boost agricultural sustainability, the ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI) held a Field Day at its Bloomsdale Research Farm on April 17, 2025. The event brought together over 30 farmers from across South, North, and Middle Andaman, spotlighting the untapped potential of oilseed crops in the island ecosystem.
The initiative, conducted in collaboration with ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), South Andaman and KVK, Nimbudera, aimed at educating local farmers about oilseed cultivation, which is seen as both a resilient alternative and a pathway to nutritional and economic security.
More than 40 different varieties of oilseed crops, ranging from sesame and sunflower to castor, linseed, and safflower, were featured through live field demonstrations. These practical displays according to CIARI has allowed farmers to observe firsthand how the crops grow under the island’s specific agro-climatic conditions.
During the event , scientists and agriculture experts shared crucial information on varietal characteristics, best cultivation practices, and the suitability of these crops to local environmental factors, especially rice-fallow lands.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. E. B. Chakurkar, Director of ICAR–CIARI, emphasized the growing risks associated with monoculture, especially in fragile ecosystems like the Andamans. “By integrating drought-tolerant oilseed crops into the farming system, we can increase our region’s self-reliance, reduce input costs, and build resilience against climate shocks,” he said.
Dr. Chakurkar also highlighted the critical need to move beyond paddy-dominated farming, particularly as rice-fallow lands often remain underutilized after harvest. Oilseeds, he said, could be the answer to making these lands productive year-round.
Dr. P. K. Singh, who leads the Field Crop Improvement and Protection Section at CIARI, focused on the financial viability of oilseed cultivation. He pointed out that many varieties suited for post-paddy farming can yield strong returns with minimal investment. “It’s not just about food security anymore, it’s about income diversification too,” he said.
Adding to the discussion, Dr. Prabhu guided farmers on how to select varieties based on local conditions, while Dr. Abhilash explained the ideal cropping windows for sowing and harvesting. Dr. T. Harshangkumar detailed plant protection strategies to help farmers manage pest and disease pressures, an essential aspect of securing yields in coastal environments.
Alongside the research experts, agriculture officials such as Beena, Circle Officer, and Nasir, In-Charge of the Seed Production Farm in Chouldari, were also present. They engaged with farmers and reiterated the Department of Agriculture’s commitment to supporting diversification programs through seed availability and technical guidance.
The event saw lively interaction from the farmers, who raised questions on agronomic practices, seed sourcing, and potential market linkages for oilseed produce. Many expressed enthusiasm about integrating oilseed crops into their existing farm routines, signaling the growing openness to diversification in the islands’ agriculture sector.
Organizers noted that this Field Day was just the beginning. With technical know-how being shared and interest piqued, the next step would be hand holding farmers through pilot projects, seed trials, and linking them to markets, transforming a field demonstration into a full-blown farming movement.
As one participating farmer put it, “This is the kind of knowledge we’ve needed for a long time. It shows us a way forward, something different, something more secure.”
