FPOs and SHGs Encouraged to Drive Sustainable Agriculture and Agri-Entrepreneurship in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

11 June 2026, Sri Vijaya Puram

As part of the nationwide “Khet Bachao Abhiyan”, ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram, organized a FPOs, SHGs, and Progressive Farmers’ Sammelan on Balanced Use of Fertilizers today. The programme was organised for Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and progressive farmers from South Andaman districts.

Scientists from ICAR-CIARI and KVK South Andaman, officials from NABARD, also attended to discuss on the sustainable agricultural practices, balanced and judicious use of fertilizers for improving soil health, and the promotion of eco-friendly farming systems. Participants were also informed about various government schemes and opportunities in value addition, branding, packaging, and marketing of agricultural produce, aimed at enhancing farm profitability and strengthening rural livelihoods in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

During the interaction, Shri Alok Nath Puspak, Assistant General Manager, NABARD, Sri Vijaya Puram, elaborated on various aspects of financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and livelihood development among farmers. He emphasized that collective institutions such as Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) are better positioned to access institutional credit, government schemes, and financial assistance.

He encouraged farmers to establish a strong Farmer Producer Organization with a broad membership base to enhance their bargaining power and market access. Shri Puspak also conveyed NABARD’s keen interest in supporting initiatives related to shrimp farming and other income-generating enterprises, and encouraged stakeholders to submit project proposals focusing on climate-resilient agriculture, climate change adaptation, and sustainable livelihood development in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Dr Jai Sunder, Director, ICAR-CIARI, emphasized the importance of collective action through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), highlighting that collective production, processing, and marketing can generate greater economic benefits than individual efforts. He encouraged the formation of producer groups, particularly for spice-based and value-added enterprises, to enhance production efficiency, market access, and profitability.

Dr Sunder stressed the immense potential of unique products from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, such as virgin coconut oil, cinnamon, banana, jackfruit, and tuna-based products, which have promising market prospects. He underscored the need for proper branding, packaging, and marketing of these products to enhance their market value.

He also advocated the use of digital platforms, including e-commerce portals, WhatsApp groups, and social media, for product promotion and market outreach. Producing in bulk and marketing collectively through organized groups would enable farmers and SHGs to access larger markets and secure better returns. He further encouraged participants to share their training and capacity-building requirements, assuring them that ICAR-CIARI and KVKs would organize need-based training programmes and skill development initiatives to support their entrepreneurial ventures.

Altogether 77 farmers attended the programme.

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