ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram Observes Khet Bachao Abhiyan across Andaman & Nicobar Islands

5 June 2026, Sri Vijaya Puram

As part of the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan 2026 and the observance of World Environment Day 2026, ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram, in collaboration with its Krishi Vigyan Kendras, the Department of Agriculture, UT-ATMA, and the Forest Department, organized a series of awareness programmes and plantation drives across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands to promote environmental conservation, soil health management, and sustainable agricultural practices.

In South Andaman district, ICAR-CIARI, ICAR-KVK South Andaman, and the Department of Agriculture, UT-ATMA jointly conducted awareness programmes at Beodnabad and Chouldari villages. The programme at Beodnabad was attended by Shri S. Boominathan, Zilla Parishad Member; Smti. Pachiammal, Panchayat Samiti Member; and Shri Deepu G. Unnithan, Deputy Ranger.

Simultaneously, ICAR-KVK North & Middle Andaman, in association with UT-ATMA, the Department of Agriculture, and the Forest Department, organized a plantation drive at KVK, Nimbudera, along with an awareness programme for members of the Diya Self Help Group at Billiground under Harinagar Panchayat. Saplings were planted on the KVK campus to reinforce the message of environmental protection and ecological sustainability.

During the programmes, scientists and experts emphasized the importance of balanced fertilizer application, soil health conservation, Natural Farming, Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for sustainable crop production. Participants were sensitized to the role of organic and natural farming practices in maintaining soil fertility, enhancing crop productivity, and reducing dependence on chemical inputs. Farmers and SHG members were encouraged to adopt eco-friendly agricultural practices, particularly in kitchen gardens, for the production of safe and nutritious vegetables.

The experts also highlighted the benefits of recycling farm and household organic waste through vermicomposting. SHG members possessing cattle were motivated to utilize cattle dung and locally available biomass for producing quality organic manure, thereby promoting sustainable waste management and improving soil health.

The programmes concluded with interactive discussions between scientists, farmers, and SHG members, enabling participants to seek scientific solutions to field-level challenges and gain practical knowledge on sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.

An awareness programme conducted at Chouldari village witnessed the participation of 24 farmers, while a total of 15 participants attended the awareness programme organized under Harinagar Panchayat.

(Source: ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram)