27–30 August 2026, Minicoy, Lakshadweep
ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Regional Station, Minicoy, organised a series of programmes from 27–30 August 2026 under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP), focusing on sustainable agriculture, technology dissemination, natural farming, input support, food entrepreneurship and livelihood security for the tribal community.
As part of the initiative, a stakeholder interaction meeting was organised with village leaders representing all 11 villages of Minicoy, along with officials from the Forestry, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Departments and the State Bank of India, Minicoy Branch. The interaction focused on identifying community needs, planning suitable interventions, strengthening departmental convergence and exploring financial support for agricultural and livelihood activities. The participants were also briefed on ICAR-CIARI's activities and opportunities available under the TSP.
A Solar Tunnel Dryer was also inaugurated during the programme. Its applications in drying, preservation and value addition of locally available products, including copra and masmin, were demonstrated to the participants.
From 28–30 August, a three-day TSP training, input distribution and technology demonstration programme on “Natural Farming under IFS for Improving Production and Livelihood Security” was conducted at the village houses of Sedivalu, Aoumagu and Funhilol. The programme covered participants from all 11 villages of Minicoy—Sedivalu, New Boduthiri, Aoumagu, Aloodi, Bada, Pallissery, Kudehi, Kendiparty, Rammedu, Boduthiri and Funhilol.
The programme included the distribution of hybrid seeds of nine vegetable crops and a demonstration of the DWEEP Leaf Separator, a patented hand-held tool developed by ICAR-CIARI. Participants were sensitised on natural farming practices suited to the island ecosystem, along with opportunities in food processing, value addition and food entrepreneurship. The PMFME Scheme was also highlighted as a source of institutional and financial support for food-based enterprises in Lakshadweep.
Training sessions covered kitchen gardening, organic pest and disease management, and preparation and use of Jeevamrutham as an organic input. Practical demonstrations were conducted to familiarise participants with these practices and encourage their adoption at the household level.
A total of 176 tribal people benefited from the programme. The initiative strengthened convergence among the tribal community, ICAR-CIARI, line departments and financial institutions while promoting natural farming, kitchen gardening, organic input use, technology adoption, value addition, food entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihood opportunities in Minicoy.
The programme was conducted under the guidance of Dr Jaisunder, Director, ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram.
(Source: ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram)
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