17 June 2026, Car Nicobar
As part of the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan launched by ICAR and the ongoing Spice Pravah 2.0 campaign, ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra, ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Car Nicobar, organized an awareness-cum-demonstration programme on sustainable agriculture and vermicomposting at Big Lapathy Village. The programme aimed to promote sustainable farming practices, organic nutrient management, vermicomposting, soil health improvement, and spice cultivation for enhancing agricultural productivity and farmers' livelihoods.
The programme was graced by Shri Amit Kale, IAS, as the Chief Guest. Shri Lionel Nicomed, Chairman, Tribal Council (CTC), Car Nicobar, attended as the Guest of Honour, while Shri Manuah Thomas, First Captain of Big Lapathy Village, also participated and encouraged farmers to adopt scientific farming practices.
Delivering the technical session, the experts highlighted the importance of vermicomposting in sustainable agriculture. They explained how vermicompost enhances soil fertility, improves nutrient availability, increases soil organic carbon, stimulates beneficial microbial activity, and reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers. They also encouraged farmers to utilize locally available organic residues and farm waste for producing quality vermicompost as an effective approach to improving long-term soil health under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan.
As part of the demonstration, three HDPE vermibeds were distributed and installed in Big Lapathy Village, including one at the farm of Smt. Ester, a progressive farmer. Farmers received practical training on vermibed installation, earthworm management, moisture regulation, suitable feed materials, and harvesting of quality vermicompost. The live demonstration generated keen interest among participants and motivated them to establish vermicomposting units on their own farms.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Amit Kale appreciated the efforts of ICAR–KVK Nicobar and the Department of Agriculture in successfully implementing the Khet Bachao Abhiyan and Spice Pravah 2.0 across the Nicobar district. He emphasized the importance of adopting scientific and environmentally sustainable technologies to improve soil health, enhance agricultural productivity, and increase farmers' income.
Shri Lionel Nicomed underscored the significance of soil conservation and sustainable farming for ensuring long-term agricultural development in the Nicobar Islands. He commended the technical support and capacity-building initiatives being undertaken by ICAR–KVK and the Department of Agriculture for the benefit of the farming community.
Shri Manuah Thomas welcomed the initiative and encouraged farmers to actively participate in developmental programmes and adopt recommended technologies such as vermicomposting and organic nutrient management to ensure sustainable agricultural growth.
The programme featured interactive discussions between scientists, officials, and farmers on vermicomposting, soil fertility management, organic farming, spice cultivation, and sustainable agricultural practices. Farmers expressed their willingness to adopt the technologies demonstrated during the programme.
A total of 35 farmers actively participated in the programme. The event concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, village representatives, participating farmers, officials of the Department of Agriculture, and the ICAR–KVK team for their valuable support.
The programme was organized under the guidance of Dr Jai Sunder, Director, ICAR–CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram, as part of the institute's continued efforts to strengthen sustainable agricultural practices and improve the livelihoods of farming communities in the Nicobar district.
(Source: ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
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