Sri Vijaya Puram, May 7, Students from the Science Center at Goodwill Estate, Corbyn’s Cove Road, Shadipur, Sri Vijaya Puram, embarked on a study tour to the Garacharma Research Complex of the ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI) on May 6, 2025, to gain firsthand insights into agricultural research and innovations shaping the Andaman Islands.
The visit aimed to deepen the students’ understanding of scientific research, especially in the fields of fisheries, horticulture, and animal sciences, and highlight the technological strides being made at ICAR-CIARI. The study tour showcased a wide range of activities across multiple divisions, with experts providing hands-on demonstrations and explanations.
D. Karunakaran, a scientist at the institute, kicked off the visit by introducing the freshwater ornamental fish unit. Students learned about the market demand for Hoppies, a popular aquarium species, and how technological tools such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and dissolved oxygen sensors are revolutionizing the automation of aerators in aquaculture.
In the fisheries section, senior scientist K. Saravanan took students through the institute’s fisheries museum, offering a glimpse into the diverse marine life that thrives in the waters around the Andaman Islands. The collection not only fascinated the students but also highlighted the ecological richness of the region.
Animal science was another key focus. Principal scientist P.A. Bala provided an overview of the modern goat unit, rabbit unit, and other livestock facilities under the Animal Science Division. Students were introduced to advanced breeding techniques and research initiatives aimed at improving livestock productivity in the islands.
Horticulture also played a central role in the exposure visit. T. Kausalya, a young professional from the Horticulture Division, shared insights into the medicinal garden, which houses a diverse range of plants used in traditional and modern medicine. She also explained the operations of the Horticultural Plants Propagation Unit, responsible for producing high-quality planting material for crops crucial to the region’s agricultural sustainability.
On the agricultural technology front, T. Adharsh Narayana, a young professional from the Agricultural Knowledge Management Unit, explained the automation of drip irrigation systems in the medicinal garden, which use soil moisture sensors to optimize water use—an increasingly critical innovation given the islands’ limited water resources.
One of the visual highlights of the visit came from technician Bikash Chandra Mondal, who presented an extensive collection of colorful and rare butterflies, sparking student interest in local biodiversity and conservation.
The visit was organized by K. Ali Akbar and T. Adharsh Narayana under the supervision of ICAR-CIARI Director Eaknath B. Chakurkar. Prior to the start of activities, D. Karunakaran welcomed the students, emphasizing the institute’s commitment to agricultural progress in the region.
The exposure visit reflects a larger push by institutions like ICAR-CIARI to bring research closer to the community and foster an interest in science among the younger generation. With agriculture and fisheries forming the backbone of the islands’ economy, nurturing future scientists and innovators is seen as a vital investment.
For the students, the tour offered a rare chance to connect classroom learning with real-world applications. From smart aquaculture systems and modern livestock units to high-tech irrigation and biodiversity conservation, the ICAR-CIARI visit highlighted how science and technology are transforming the face of island agriculture.
As the islands navigate the challenges of climate change, limited land resources, and the need for sustainable practices, ICAR-CIARI’s role in research and innovation is expected to become increasingly pivotal. By opening its doors to young learners, the institute is helping inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders and innovators in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
