A two-day exposure visit to the Garacharma Research Complex of ICAR-CIARI offered over 260 students from Government Girls Senior Secondary School a unique opportunity to engage directly with ongoing scientific research in the Andaman Islands. Held on October 25 and 26, 2025, the visit was aimed at nurturing curiosity among students and providing them with insights into the region’s agricultural innovations and biodiversity resources.
The programme began with an interactive session between the students and Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director of ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram. Dr. Chakurkar emphasized the institute’s role in advancing agricultural practices across the islands while encouraging the students to explore scientific research as a career path.
One of the highlights of the visit was a detailed overview of the freshwater ornamental fishes unit presented by scientist Chittaranjan Raul. He explained the ecological and commercial importance of ornamental fish and the unique benefits of fish spas. This was followed by a presentation by technician Shivani Kumari, who introduced the students to the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Medicinal Garden, a living repository of therapeutic plants that raises awareness about biodiversity and traditional agricultural knowledge. Kumari also walked the students through the Nakshatra Garden, where plants are cultivated with a symbolic link to celestial constellations, blending science with cultural heritage.
In another engaging session, Dr. P. K. Singh, Principal Scientist, and Dr. Prabhu P, Scientist, introduced the students to controlled environment experiments in agricultural science. They explained the use of reinforced concrete cement (RCC) microplots, specifically designed to simulate salinity conditions for testing salt-tolerant rice varieties. By controlling soil salinity levels, researchers can monitor rice performance under stress, thereby identifying genotypes with superior tolerance. This research has practical implications for strengthening food security in coastal and saline-prone regions, including parts of the islands.
The exposure visit also included an introduction by scientist D. Karunakaran, who welcomed the participants and highlighted the contributions of ICAR-CIARI in agricultural development across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The programme was coordinated under his guidance, with the support of Senior Technical Assistant Asma Bibi, Technician Ali Akbar, and Young Professional C. P. Vijayan from the Agricultural Knowledge Management Unit.
For the students, the visit provided first-hand exposure to how research translates into sustainable agricultural solutions. From biodiversity conservation to innovative techniques for crop resilience, the experience reflected CIARI’s mission to combine traditional knowledge with cutting-edge science. Teachers accompanying the group noted that the event had sparked interest among students to pursue further studies in agriculture, fisheries, and environmental sciences.
The visit not only deepened the students’ understanding of agriculture’s role in the islands but also showcased how scientific research at CIARI is helping tackle pressing challenges such as soil salinity, biodiversity conservation, and livelihood opportunities. Organisers expressed hope that such programmes would inspire the younger generation to take an active interest in science and innovation, strengthening the islands’ self-reliance in agriculture and allied sectors.
