Uniting Land and Sea: Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan and World Ocean Day Drive Sustainable Futures in Nicobar

8 June 2025, Car Nicobar

In a unique convergence of two critical causes, ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Nicobar, under the jurisdiction of ICAR–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata, celebrated Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan and World Ocean Day 2025 at Perka Village, Car Nicobar today. The event highlighted the intrinsic link between ocean health and agricultural sustainability in coastal ecosystems.

Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR–ATARI, Kolkata, in his virtual address, emphasized the importance of inter-departmental collaboration to ensure the success of VKSA. He advocated for eco-friendly agricultural and fisheries practices in fragile coastal regions such as Nicobar and drew attention to threats like ocean acidification and plastic pollution. Dr. Dey underscored the relevance of Sustainable Development Goal 14, noting that ocean conservation is fundamental to sustaining life on Earth.

Shri Paul David, Captain, Perka Village and Guest of Honour, urged the villagers to actively participate in government schemes and contribute collectively to environmental and ocean conservation, recognizing it as a shared responsibility.

The event featured a community-led plantation drive, where native and fruit-bearing saplings were planted as a commitment to a greener future. This was followed by a beach cleaning campaign along the Perka coastline, symbolizing collective stewardship for clean oceans. The initiative brought together farmers, youth, and officials in a unified effort for coastal sustainability.

With the participation of 130 enthusiastic farmers, the joint observance of VKSA and World Ocean Day amplified the message of sustainable development and reinforced the community’s commitment to preserving both land and sea for future generations.

(Source: ICAR- Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata)