Andaman’s Own Produce, Andaman’s Own Products: A Success Story of Women Entrepreneurs

The Andaman Islands, known for their rich tropical biodiversity, harbour unique native species with significant potential for sustainable utilisation. For decades, ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram, has been working to empower island communities while promoting the conservation and sustainable use of native biodiversity.

A notable example is the Institute’s pioneering work on Garcinia dhanikhariensis, a rare, endemic species. Research by Dr Pooja Bohra and Dr Ajit Arun Waman, Senior Scientists at ICAR-CIARI, identified several bioactive compounds in the fruit, including antioxidants, anthocyanins and hydroxycitric acid. Recognising its potential as a novel fruit crop, the scientists named it ‘Andaman Kokum’ to establish a distinct identity for the fruit at the national and global levels. The Institute also developed value-added products, including Andaman Kokum syrup, rind candy and dehydrated rind, to enhance its utilisation and market potential.

With tourism offering opportunities to promote local produce, these products also contribute to agro-ecotourism by introducing visitors to the islands’ unique native resources and distinctive flavours. The initiative further combines biodiversity conservation with livelihood generation, as the utilisation of fruit rind for value-added products creates economic opportunities while encouraging the conservation of this micro-endemic species.

From Scientific Innovation to Women’s Entrepreneurship

To take these products to consumers, ICAR-CIARI transferred the technical know-how to Ms Sneha Horo, an educated youth from South Andaman, in December 2025. Together with her friend, Ms M. Venni, she established Island’s Ras and Root, a firm registered under UDYAM and FSSAI, with technical guidance from the Institute.

The Andaman Kokum products were officially launched at ICAR-CIARI’s Kisan Mela in February 2026 and subsequently showcased at the popular Island Food Festival 2026. The products received an encouraging response from consumers and attracted considerable attention at both events. Their popularity continued beyond the exhibitions, with the entrepreneurs’ receiving orders through telephone calls and direct contacts, despite not yet having a dedicated retail outlet.

Promising Returns and Scope for Expansion

During a single fruiting season, the entrepreneurs generated revenue of ₹47,255, with a benefit–cost (B) ratio of 1.71. The returns are expected to increase in the coming years as production and market reach expand.

The use of a rare native species gives Andaman Kokum products a distinctive identity and serves as their unique selling proposition. However, the limited availability of raw material remains a key challenge in scaling up production. For now, this scarcity also lends the products a limited-edition appeal.

To address the supply constraint and support future expansion, ICAR-CIARI is providing planting material to farmers across the islands, several of whom have taken up the cultivation of this species.

Under the leadership of Dr Jai Sunder, Director (Act.), ICAR-CIARI, this initiative demonstrates how scientific research can be translated into value-added products, women-led entrepreneurship and local livelihood opportunities while promoting the conservation of the Andaman Islands’ unique biodiversity.

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